Helping Nuneaton Manufacturers Cut Energy Costs Through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)
Nuneaton has a proud manufacturing heritage, with businesses across engineering, automotive supply chains, advanced manufacturing, materials, logistics and industrial services playing a vital role in our local economy. As your Member of Parliament, I want to ensure local firms are aware of every opportunity available to reduce costs, invest in growth and remain competitive.
One important new opportunity is the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), a government programme designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers across Great Britain. The scheme is expected to support more than 10,000 businesses and could save qualifying manufacturers up to £40 per megawatt hour (MWh) on electricity costs from 2027.
What is BICS?
The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) has been introduced to help address higher industrial electricity costs by exempting eligible manufacturers from certain electricity policy costs, including the:
Renewables Obligation (RO)
Capacity Market (CM)
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Eligible businesses will therefore benefit from lower electricity bills, helping improve competitiveness, support investment and protect skilled jobs.
Who can apply?
To qualify, businesses must meet several eligibility criteria, including:
Being registered with Companies House.
Operating within an eligible manufacturing sector.
Manufacturing an eligible product.
Meeting minimum electricity usage requirements.
Demonstrating qualifying manufacturing activity at a site in Great Britain.
Eligibility is assessed using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and Harmonised System (HS) product codes.
Sectors expected to benefit include areas such as:
Advanced manufacturing
Automotive
Aerospace
Chemicals
Life sciences
Battery technologies
Materials and composites
Steel and critical minerals
Clean energy supply chains
Many firms in and around Nuneaton may therefore wish to review their eligibility, particularly those involved in manufacturing or industrial supply chains.
Applications Are Now Open
Applications for BICS opened on 1 October 2026 and are scheduled to close on 30 November 2026. Businesses that believe they may qualify are encouraged to begin preparing their information as soon as possible.
Businesses will typically need details such as:
Companies House registration number
Site information
Electricity supply details (including MPAN numbers)
Evidence of manufacturing activity
Electricity consumption records
Details of any electricity arrangements through landlords or third parties where applicable.
Useful Links for Businesses
Government Information
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) overview https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme [gov.uk]
BICS Applicant Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-business-guidance/british-industrial-competitiveness-scheme-guidance-for-applicants [gov.uk]
Apply for BICS https://apply-for-bics.service.gov.uk/start [apply-for-...ice.gov.uk]
Additional Business Support
Business Growth Warwickshire https://www.businessgrowthwarwickshire.co.uk
Provides advice, funding guidance and business support for Warwickshire firms.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Offers support, networking opportunities and guidance for manufacturers and exporters across the region.
Made in Britain https://www.madeinbritain.org
Useful for manufacturers looking to strengthen their UK supply chain credentials and market reach.
My Message to Local Businesses
Manufacturing is central to Nuneaton's economy, employing local people, supporting apprenticeships and driving investment across our community. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme represents a significant opportunity for eligible firms to reduce one of their largest operating costs and improve their long-term competitiveness.
I would encourage manufacturers across Nuneaton, Bedworth and the wider area to explore the scheme, check their eligibility and submit an application if they qualify. Lower energy costs can help businesses invest in new equipment, expand production and create the high-quality jobs that our local economy depends upon.
If you are a local business and require assistance identifying the right support, please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office, and my team will do our best to signpost you to the relevant organisations and guidance.
Together, we can help ensure Nuneaton remains a great place to manufacture, invest and grow.