If you work in IT project management, you’ll know the last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. The UK economy has thrown us a few curveballs, and while the headlines have been a mixed bag, there’s plenty to be optimistic about—especially if you look at the latest industry figures.
Project Management: Still a Powerhouse
Let’s start with the big picture. Project management isn’t just ticking along; it’s thriving. The UK now boasts around 2.32 million full-time project professionals, contributing a staggering £186.8 billion to the economy each year. That’s an 8% jump in people and a 19% boost in value since 2019.
Zoom in on IT, and the story gets even better. The number of IT project managers has soared to over 102,000, and the sector’s value has pretty much doubled in recent years. Digital transformation is the name of the game—45% of businesses say they’ve seen better performance and profitability thanks to their digital investments.
The Economic Backdrop: Not All Plain Sailing
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth. Economic uncertainty and political upheaval have meant some projects were put on ice, and hiring slowed down. Many organisations pressed pause on new digital initiatives, focusing instead on keeping the lights on.
But here’s the good news: 2025 is already looking brighter. Those projects that were gathering dust? They’re starting to get the green light again. There’s a real sense that the tide is turning, and optimism is creeping back into boardrooms across the UK.
Tax Cuts: A Quiet Confidence Booster?
Now, what about those recent tax cuts? While it’s tricky to pin down exactly how much they’ve boosted IT project management, there’s definitely a sense of renewed confidence. More than half of UK businesses expect project activity to grow this year, and nearly as many are planning to increase their project budgets. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s helping to thaw the freeze we saw in recent years.
Trends to Watch
AI is making waves: Over half of project professionals are now using AI tools, and almost all of them are seeing a positive return on investment.
Delivery is still tough: Only 38% of organisations say they mostly deliver projects on time, and just 41% stay within budget. Resource management and data silos are still headaches.
Talent is tight: Demand for IT project managers is outstripping supply, especially as digital transformation ramps up.
At a Glance: 2025 in Numbers
- Project management professionals (UK) -2.32 million
- IT project management professionals -164,657
- Using AI in project management- 51% of professionals
- Projects delivered on time – 38% of organisations
- Projects within budget – 41% of organisations
- Seeing improved performance from digital – 45% of businesses
- Predicting project-based growth – 51% of businesses
How Stoneseed’s PMaaS Helps You Take Control of Overheads and Costs
Let’s face it—keeping project costs under control is one of the biggest headaches in IT project management. Overstaff and you’re burning cash; understaff and delivery suffers. That’s where Stoneseed’s Project Management as a Service (PMaaS) really comes into its own.
With PMaaS, you get the ultimate flexibility: dial project management resources up or down as your workload demands. No more paying for expensive, underutilised permanent staff or scrambling to fill gaps at the last minute. You only pay for what you use, and you can scale resources from as little as one day a week to full-time, for as long as you need them—without any long-term contractual commitments.
What does that mean for your bottom line? Predictable, transparent costs. Stoneseed’s rate-carded resource model means you know exactly what you’re spending, with no nasty surprises. This approach makes budgeting a breeze and helps you avoid the common pitfalls of project overspend or resource wastage. Plus, our team is packed with experienced, passionate project professionals—so you’re not just saving money, you’re getting real value and expertise.
And because we handle onboarding, management, and even exit of resources, your internal overheads shrink. You can focus on your core business, safe in the knowledge that your project delivery is in expert hands.
In short: Stoneseed’s PMaaS gives you the control, flexibility, and cost certainty you need to deliver successful projects—without the financial headaches. That’s project management, made simple.
The Takeaway
So, what does all this mean if you’re managing IT projects in 2025? The sector is bouncing back, digital transformation is still top of the agenda, and there’s cautious optimism in the air. Tax cuts and a stabilising economy are helping, but challenges like talent shortages and project delivery remain.
The key? Stay agile, keep an eye on emerging tech, and don’t be afraid to invest in the right people and tools. The future’s looking bright—let’s make the most of it.
Looking for help with your next IT project? At Stoneseed, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch to see how we can help you deliver success in 2025 and beyond.
More about Project Management as a Service from Stoneseed
Sources
Why project managers should upskill in IT & tech for 2025
https://www.free-work.com/en-gb/tech-it/blog/career-advice/why-project-managers-should-upskill-in-it-for-2025
The wider economic impacts of emerging technologies in the UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-wider-economic-impacts-of-emerging-technologies-in-the-uk/the-wider-economic-impacts-of-emerging-technologies-in-the-uk-html
A Pro-Growth Roadmap for Business-Tax Reform (Tony Blair Institute)
https://institute.global/insights/economic-prosperity/a-pro-growth-roadmap-for-business-tax-reform
State of digital government review – January 2025 (GOV.UK)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/678a47649752f24aa1573589/state-of-digital-government.pdf
Project Management as a Service (Digital Marketplace – G-Cloud)
https://www.applytosupply.digitalmarketplace.service.gov.uk/g-cloud/services/420026157778470