Business energy bill support scheme opens

Businesses are being urged to sign up to a new Government scheme to cut their electricity bills.

Applications are now open for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) which offers to reduce manufacturers’ electricity costs by up to 25%.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has urged eligible manufacturers to sign up before registrations close on 30 November to receive support from April 2027.

BICS is targeted at manufacturers across eight high-growth sectors, such as aerospace and defence, as well as the industries that supply them.

Reynolds said: “We will reindustrialise Britain by tackling one of the biggest pressures facing manufacturers and cutting their electricity bills.

“I’d urge every eligible manufacturer to get your application in. This support will help companies spend less on energy and more on growing their business, unlocking the growth we want to see across the country.”