The UK Government has launched a major 10-year Industrial Strategy aimed at cutting business costs, creating over 1.1 million good skilled jobs, and making the UK a world leader in clean, competitive industries.
A headline measure is a plan to cut electricity bills by up to 25% for more than 7,000 energy-intensive businesses starting in 2027. Companies in sectors like automotive, aerospace, steel, and chemicals will benefit from new exemptions on energy levies and deeper discounts on electricity network charges.
These changes, delivered through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme and an expanded British Industry Supercharger, aim to reduce the UK’s industrial energy costs—some of the highest in the developed world—and help British firms compete globally.
The new strategy also tackles delays in connecting to the energy grid, with a Connections Accelerator Service expected to launch at the end of 2025 to speed up access for major investment projects.
🚀 What It Means for Businesses Looking to Grow
The strategy includes measures that could make a real difference for businesses with ambitions to scale up or modernise. These include:
• 🧪 Technology adoption support for more than 5,000 firms through the Made Smarter programme
• 🏢 A streamlined centralised Business Growth Service to make government support easier to access
• 📍 Simpler planning rules and faster grid connections for new sites and facilities
• 🎓 Easier access to investment and skills training, including short courses in high-demand sectors
• ✂️ Cutting red tape, reducing regulatory costs for businesses by 25%
These measures aim to give growth-focused businesses the tools and confidence to invest, hire, and compete.
🎯 Targeted Investment Across Key Sectors
The strategy focuses on eight high-potential sectors, including:
• Clean energy
• Advanced manufacturing
• Digital and emerging technologies
• Creative industries
• Professional and business services
Tailored growth plans and billions in public and private investment are being directed into each.
While the strategy has been welcomed by many business leaders, its success will depend on consistent delivery and effective implementation over the next decade.