UK firms are also looking Down Under for opportunities due to similar operating markets and opportunities
Australian infrastructure and property firms are ramping up expansion into the UK, attracted by regulatory similarities, shared professional culture, and a wave of new opportunities linked to Britain鈥檚 拢725bn infrastructure strategy.
According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, UK imports from Australia increased 14.8% to 拢6.7bn in the year ending Q4 2024, while UK exports to Australia rose 7.2% to 拢16.3bn - and now there appears to be an increase in built environment firms looking to work across both markets.
Gareth Hardy, director and co-founder of Third.i UK, an Australian and UK developer, said: 鈥淭he UK isn鈥檛 a leap 鈥� it鈥檚 a strategic step. The cultural and industry overlap makes expansion frictionless, and the UK鈥檚 position as a gateway to Europe makes the growth potential massive.鈥�
Plenary Group, a major player in public-private partnerships (PPP), opened a London office in 2022 and secured its first UK project in 2024.
鈥淕overnments and institutions here are embracing competitive tenders that reward innovation across financing, delivery and long-term asset management,鈥� said chief executive Paul Crowe.
鈥淭he UK鈥檚 recent commitment to alternative funding models confirms we鈥檙e on the right track.鈥�
Bilateral growth is also fuelling UK interest in the Australian market, particularly in areas where Australia leads, such as specialised disability accommodation, while Australia is taking cues from the UK鈥檚 build-to-rent evolution.
Capital investment group Opportunity London is also tapping into the momentum, with chief execuitve Jace Tyrrell currently touring Australia to engage investors and institutions. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to unlock billions between Australia and London by collaborating together,鈥� he said.
Further evidence of the growing connection between the two markets, is the work being done by Harper B, a strategy consultancy founded in Melbourne and soon to launch in London.
Founder Belinda Coates said the firm鈥檚 mission is to 鈥渂uild strategies that are market-aware, locally grounded and globally scalable.鈥�
鈥淭his is more than a trade story,鈥� said Coates. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a movement 鈥� one that blends policy, capital, and talent to deliver meaningful, international impact.鈥�
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