UK manufacturers are facing some of the highest industrial electricity costs in the developed world, with the highest prices in the G7.  

This is why Make UK has published a new paper examining how the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) can be delivered quickly, credibly and at the scale needed to support UK industry.  

Continued uncertainty around funding and implementation risks leaving manufacturers exposed to further cost increases at a time of growing global volatility and rising operating pressures. It also sets out the economic case for expanding the scheme and accelerating delivery.

Make UK is calling on Government to:

  • expand eligibility for the BICS to more manufacturers
  • provide long-term funding certainty
  • bring forward implementation
  • develop a clear long-term strategy to reduce industrial electricity costs

Our report argues that expanding the scheme could support around 130,000 manufacturing businesses, providing well paid jobs in communities across the county as well as generate billions in additional economic growth annually.

Manufacturing is central to economic growth, regional prosperity and investment. The paper argues that delivering the BICS effectively will be critical if the UK is serious about improving industrial competitiveness and backing domestic industry.

Available resources