British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) Support

Assess Eligibility, Prepare Evidence and Maximise Savings

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) has been designed to help eligible UK manufacturers reduce electricity costs by providing exemptions from a number of electricity policy charges.

For qualifying organisations, BICS has the potential to deliver significant reductions in electricity costs and improve the competitiveness of UK manufacturing operations.

However, determining eligibility can be complex. Businesses must demonstrate that they operate within qualifying sectors, manufacture eligible products, and satisfy the required electricity intensity criteria.

Boxfish provides independent BICS support services, helping manufacturers understand whether they qualify, prepare the required evidence, complete applications and ensure they secure the maximum value available through the scheme.

Whether you are already preparing for BICS or simply want to understand if your business may qualify, our specialists can help.

Speak to our team today for an initial British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility review.

What is the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme?

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) is a UK Government initiative designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses. The scheme aims to improve the competitiveness of UK industry by reducing the indirect electricity costs associated with certain environmental and energy policy mechanisms.

Eligible businesses may receive exemptions relating to charges associated with:

  • Renewables Obligation (RO)
  • Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
  • Capacity Market Charges

For electricity-intensive manufacturers, these exemptions can deliver meaningful reductions in annual operating expenditure while improving resilience against future energy market volatility.

Who is Eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme?

Eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is determined through several factors, including:

  • Business Sector. Organisations must operate within eligible manufacturing sectors determined through Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
  • Manufacturing Activity. Businesses must manufacture qualifying products identified through Harmonised System (HS) product codes.
  • Electricity Intensity. Applicants must demonstrate that electricity consumption represents a sufficiently significant component of their operations.
  • Companies House Registration. Organisations must satisfy the relevant registration and operational requirements set out within the BICS framework.

Understanding eligability and qualification is complex. A review from Boxfish makes things simple, quickly identifying whether an application is worth pursuing.

How Can Boxfish Help?

Our British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme support is designed to remove uncertainty and simplify the process from start to finish.

Eligibility Assessments

We review your:

  • SIC classifications
  • Manufacturing activities
  • Product outputs
  • Electricity consumption patterns
  • Existing electricity supply arrangements

to determine whether your organisation is likely to qualify.

Electricity Intensity Analysis

Our energy specialists analyse your electricity consumption data and operational profile to determine whether the required intensity thresholds are likely to be met.

Evidence Gathering

We support the collection and organisation of the information required to demonstrate eligibility, ensuring information is presented clearly and consistently.

Application Support

We guide clients through the BICS application process, helping prepare submissions and respond to requests for additional information.

Utility Cost Optimisation

Beyond BICS itself, Boxfish helps businesses maximise overall energy savings through:

  • Utility procurement
  • Utility contract management
  • Cost recovery
  • Invoice validation
  • Energy efficiency projects
  • ESOS Phase 4 compliance support

This ensures clients not only secure available exemptions but also address wider opportunities to reduce utility costs.

Why Choose Boxfish?

Independent Advice

We are completely independent and provide impartial recommendations that prioritise client outcomes rather than supplier commissions.

Manufacturing Expertise

Our consultants have extensive experience supporting manufacturing organisations with:

  • Utility procurement
  • Energy cost reduction
  • ESOS compliance
  • Energy data analysis
  • Carbon reporting
  • Sustainability strategy

Utility Market Specialists

With over 30 years of experience in the UK utility market, we understand the charges, tariffs and regulatory mechanisms that influence energy costs.

A Commercial Focus

We don’t view British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme as simply another government scheme. We view it as an opportunity to:

  • Reduce operating costs
  • Improve profitability
  • Strengthen competitiveness
  • Support investment in manufacturing operations

BICS Frequently Asked Questions

What is the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)?

BICS is a UK Government initiative designed to reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses through exemptions relating to specific electricity policy charges.

How much could my business save through BICS?

Savings will vary depending on electricity consumption, operating profile and eligibility status. Businesses with significant electricity consumption are likely to benefit most from the scheme.

How do I know if my business qualifies?

Eligibility is based upon several criteria, including SIC codes, manufacturing activities, product outputs and electricity intensity. A formal eligibility review is generally the quickest way of identifying whether your organisation may qualify.

Can Boxfish complete the BICS application for us?

Boxfish can support the entire process, from initial eligibility assessment through to evidence preparation and submission support.

Does BICS replace utility procurement?

No. BICS reduces certain electricity policy costs, whereas utility procurement focuses on securing the most appropriate commercial energy contracts.

Many organisations will benefit from combining both approaches.

Can BICS be combined with ESOS and other energy-saving initiatives?

Yes. BICS reduces electricity costs through exemptions, while initiatives such as ESOS, utility management and energy-efficiency programmes focus on reducing overall consumption and operating expenditure.

Together, they can form part of a wider energy cost reduction strategy.

Who Can Help With a BICS Application?

Boxfish provides independent British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) support for UK manufacturers. Our consultants help organisations assess eligibility, review SIC and HS codes, analyse electricity consumption, prepare supporting evidence and navigate the application process. We combine BICS expertise with utility procurement, utility management, ESOS and energy cost reduction support to help manufacturers reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness.

Ready to Find Out if You Qualify?

The potential savings available through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme could be significant, but eligibility is not always straightforward.

Boxfish helps manufacturers quickly understand whether they qualify, prepare the necessary evidence and maximise the value available through the scheme.

Contact our team today for a free initial British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility review and discover how much your organisation could save.

GET STARTED Today

Fill in the form or call us on 0141 226 8525 to cut your utility spend, reduce carbon, or get compliant.

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