04.11.2025

With costs climbing, demand weakening and energy prices threatening competitiveness, manufacturers want the Government to put growth at the heart of the 2025 Autumn Budget.

Make UK’s latest analysis shows a sector ready to invest, innovate and upskill - but warning that further tax rises or policy drift could accelerate de-industrialisation and risk jobs, skills and regional growth.

To unlock investment and protect the UK’s industrial base, we’re calling for six targeted measures designed to boost confidence, cut costs and back long-term growth:

Energy prices remain one of the biggest threats to the viability of UK manufacturing. The BICS must be extended to cover all manufacturers — and backdated to June 2025 — to ensure firms get the immediate relief they were promised.

Manufacturers want a skills system that works. Ringfencing funds for direct investment in training will ensure the levy supports the engineers, technicians and innovators who will power the next generation of growth.

Targeted exemptions for companies investing in low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies would accelerate decarbonisation while rewarding those driving the UK’s transition to net zero.

Including leasing within Full Expensing would make the system fairer and more flexible — enabling thousands of smaller firms to invest in modern machinery and technology without upfront capital barriers.

Manufacturers are already feeling the impact of recent increases. A clear commitment to freeze NICs would restore confidence and help safeguard pay growth and recruitment.

To support the shift away from gas and oil, Government should introduce a discounted electricity rate for manufacturers investing in electrification — a move that cuts both costs and carbon.

These measures would help secure the UK’s industrial base, drive productivity and give manufacturers the confidence to invest in growth.

Read more below about our full Autumn Budget recommendations and why action can’t wait.

Available resources