BICS Qualifying SIC Codes

Could Your Manufacturing Activity Qualify?

SIC classification is an important part of determining eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).

The Government has identified specific manufacturing sectors that may qualify for support.

But there's an important distinction:

Your Companies House SIC code alone does not determine whether your business qualifies.

Your SIC Code Is the Starting Point

An eligible SIC classification can indicate that your business is worth assessing for BICS.

However, eligibility also depends on factors including the manufacturing activity actually undertaken, the products manufactured, the relevant manufacturing site and electricity use.

Is Your Companies House SIC Code Correct?

This is where things can become less straightforward.

Your registered SIC code may not accurately reflect what your business manufactures today, particularly if your activities have changed over time.

Businesses may also undertake more than one activity and can have multiple SIC classifications registered at Companies House.

Where a classification is genuinely inaccurate or incomplete, it can be updated.

But changing a SIC code does not create BICS eligibility — the classification must genuinely reflect the activity being undertaken.

SIC Is Only Part of the Assessment

Even where a relevant SIC classification is identified, there are further BICS requirements to consider.

These include the products manufactured, relevant product classifications, manufacturing location and electricity requirements.

That's why we recommend businesses don't rule themselves in or out based solely on Companies House information.

Unsure Whether Your Business Could Qualify?

We'll review your business against the BICS eligibility requirements and give you an initial indication of whether there appears to be an opportunity.

FREE BICS Eligibility Assessment

Send us your company name or Companies House number and we'll take an initial look.