BICS Application Process

Applying for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme

Specialist support from initial assessment through to application and ongoing BICS requirements.

The first BICS application window is expected to run from 1 October to 30 November 2026, ahead of support beginning from April 2027.

EII Advisory can support manufacturers through the BICS process, from establishing potential eligibility through to preparing and managing the application.

BICS Application Timeline

How EII Advisory Supports Your BICS Application

What Does a BICS Application Involve?

A BICS application requires information about the applicant, its manufacturing activities, the products manufactured, the relevant manufacturing site and its electricity position.

The precise requirements will depend on the circumstances of the business and its manufacturing operations.

Where a business operates multiple sites or undertakes a mixture of eligible and non-eligible activities, additional assessment may be required.

Multiple Manufacturing Sites?

BICS is assessed at manufacturing-site level.

Where a business operates more than one manufacturing site, each site may need to be considered separately.

Different sites within the same business may also have different eligibility positions depending on the manufacturing activities undertaken and their electricity use.

EII Advisory can assess multiple manufacturing sites as part of a coordinated BICS review.

Why Prepare Before Applications Open?

The first BICS application window is limited.

Applications for the first BICS year are expected to be open for two months, from 1 October to 30 November 2026.

Manufacturers considering BICS can use the period before applications open to establish whether the scheme may apply to their operations and whether further assessment is warranted.

This makes accurate assessment of site activities and electricity consumption particularly important.

What Happens After Your Application?

Following submission, applications will be considered against the BICS eligibility requirements.

Eligibility decisions for the first application window are expected in January 2027, ahead of the first exemptions taking effect from April 2027.

Successful applicants will then need to continue meeting the relevant scheme requirements.

EII Advisory can provide ongoing support following approval.

What Could BICS Be Worth to Your Business?

The Government estimates that BICS could reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturers by approximately £35–£40/MWh, with the potential overall reduction depending on the circumstances of the business.

The actual benefit will depend on factors including electricity consumption and the level of exemption available.

See What BICS Could Be Worth →

Ready to Assess Your BICS Position?

Applications for the first BICS year are expected to open on 1 October 2026.

EII Advisory can help you understand your potential eligibility and support your business through the BICS application process.

Discuss Your BICS Application

Initial discussion with EII Advisory.