Capital Expenditure Investment Trends: UK Dominates H2 2025 Spending, but Continental Europe Holds Opportunities
All capital expenditure investment trends covered in the post below are drawn from our live project database and consolidated in our CapexData project analytics portal – create your own reports here.
Our latest analysis of capital expenditure investment trends, specifically in capex implementation across six key regions in the pharmaceutical, biotech, food, drink and life sciences sectors reveals a more balanced investment landscape than in previous periods. In H2 2025, the UK is still a leader with £4.3 billion in capex implementation. However, continental Europe is close behind with a combined total of over £6.5 billion across five neighbouring regions.
France and Germany continue to be particularly active, with £1.87 billion and £1.32 billion respectively. Ireland contributes £1.68 billion, and Belgium and the Netherlands add another £0.55 billion and £0.45 billion.
To keep the comparison fair, the UK figures do not include another £5 billion of chemical, energy and gas capex implementation upcoming, as we currently do not cover these sectors in Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands.
The table below summarises the total capex implementation value by region for H2 2025:
| Region | Total Capex Implementation H2 (£bn) |
| UK | 4.3 |
| Ireland | 1.68 |
| France | 1.87 |
| Germany | 1.32 |
| Belgium | 0.55 |
| Netherlands | 0.45 |
Figures from CapexData by Protel Projects. Pharma, labs, food, drink sectors excl. chemical, energy & gas.
Q4 2025 appears to be a particularly active quarter, suggesting a potential year-end push for project delivery and procurement activity. This creates strong near-term opportunities for suppliers of capital equipment who can respond quickly.
Aggregated figures from CapexData only tell part of the story. Each regional total reflects a portfolio of individual projects, each with its own schedule, scope, and equipment needs.
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