Preparing for BICS: 4 Things Every Manufacturer Needs to Know Before Applying

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) has the potential to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers from 2027. For businesses operating in energy-intensive sectors, it could make a meaningful difference to operating costs and competitiveness. 

However, not every manufacturer will qualify, and preparing for BICS starts long before any application is submitted. 

Understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the right information and reviewing your energy data now can save valuable time and put your business in a much stronger position as the scheme progresses. 

If you're considering BICS, here are four things worth checking first. 

1. Understand Whether Your Manufacturing Activities Are Eligible

The first question isn't how much energy you use. It's whether the manufacturing activities your business carries out fall within the industries covered by the scheme. 

The Government has identified eligible manufacturing frontier industries and manufacturing foundational industries using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and Harmonised System (HS) product codes. Your business will need to fall within these qualifying activities to be considered. 

If your business manufactures a range of products or operates across several divisions, it's worth reviewing exactly which activities may be eligible. 

2. Make Sure Your Energy Information Is Accurate

Many manufacturers operate across multiple sites, have several electricity supplies or have changed suppliers over time. Before preparing for BICS, it's worth checking that you have a complete picture of your electricity portfolio, including: 

• Electricity supply reference numbers (MPANs) for each eligible supply 

• Current supplier information 

• Accurate electricity consumption data 

• Recent electricity invoices 

Having this information organised at the outset will make it much easier to understand your position and prepare any information that may be required. 

3. Gather the Right Business Information

Alongside your energy data, you'll also need information about your business and manufacturing activities. Depending on your circumstances, this may include: 

• Company registration details 

• Eligible SIC code(s) 

• Relevant HS code(s) for the products you manufacture 

• Information demonstrating the proportion of your business that relates to eligible manufacturing activities 

Spending a little time bringing this information together now can save time later and help you prepare with confidence. 

4. Sense Check Your Eligibility Before Investing Too Much Time

One of the biggest mistakes manufacturers can make is assuming they'll qualify without first understanding the eligibility criteria. 

BICS has been designed to support specific manufacturing sectors, and eligibility depends on a combination of factors, including your manufacturing activities, electricity intensity and the information available to support your application. 

Taking the time to review the guidance and understand how it applies to your business can save valuable time later and help you decide on your next steps. 

If you're unsure where to start, we can help you understand your likely eligibility, explain the criteria and identify any areas that may need further investigation. 

Don't Wait Until Applications Open

The manufacturers who are best prepared won't be rushing to gather information at the last minute. They'll already understand how their manufacturing activities relate to BICS, have their energy data organised and know where they stand before the application process begins. 

If you're wondering whether your business could benefit from the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), our team are here to help. We'll help you understand the scheme, sense-check your likely eligibility and make sure you're in the strongest possible position when applications open. 

Book a complimentary Initial BICS Eligibility Review

If you're unsure whether the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme applies to your business, our Initial BICS Eligibility Review is designed to provide clarity.

We'll help you understand whether it is worth progressing before you invest significant time and resource into the process.