Consultation on British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme launches
24.11.2025
The Government has opened its long-awaited consultation on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), a scheme designed to help reduce energy costs for UK manufacturers.
Make UK welcomes the consultation and will be submitting evidence to it, backing our calls for important changes to ensure the scheme delivers for the sector:
- Bringing the scheme forward from 2027
- Expanding eligibility to all manufacturers
- Backdating related payments to June 2025
These changes would make BICS more effective in supporting competitiveness and sustainability across the UK’s industrial base.
Manufacturers are encouraged to consider how the scheme could impact their business and provide feedback to the Government. Your insights will help shape a scheme that works for the sector.
>>> You can submit your views and evidence to the consultation here or - if you're a Make UK member - with our Policy Team.
Why it Matters:
- Ensures government support reaches all manufacturers
- Helps businesses manage rising energy costs
- Strengthens UK manufacturing competitiveness
This is a welcome announcement which begins the process of tackling the most pressing issue British manufacturers have been facing for years. For the scheme to make a real difference, Government must move swiftly to implement and fund it but, most critically, widen its scope to ensure that support reaches the broadest expanse of manufacturing companies as fast as possible.
"This is essential if we are to remove the disparity in energy prices that UK companies are currently facing and, boost their competitive position.
