Why Medilink Members Should Respond Before 19 January
The UK Government has launched the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) Consultation – a significant proposal designed to reduce electricity costs for manufacturing within the Industrial Strategy’s IS-8 growth sectors. Importantly, Life Sciences and MedTech are explicitly included in this list.
For Medilink members, this consultation represents more than routine policy feedback. It is a meaningful opportunity to ensure that the final scheme recognises the complexity, energy intensity and economic importance of Life Sciences manufacturing across the UK.
What Is BICS and Why Does It Matter?
The BICS proposal aims to support manufacturing industries that face high electricity costs by exempting eligible businesses from the indirect charges associated with:
- The Renewables Obligation (RO)
- Feed-in Tariffs (FIT)
- The Capacity Market (CM)
These exemptions could deliver savings of up to £40/MWh for businesses that qualify.
Life Sciences manufacturers – including those involved in basic pharmaceutical products & preparations, the manufacture of irradiation, electromedical & electrotherapeutic equipment as well as medical/dental instruments and supplies – typically operate in tightly regulated, high-energy-use settings. The proposed scheme therefore has the potential to provide meaningful cost relief across the sector.
Why Your Input Matters
Although Life Sciences and MedTech are named within the consultation, the details are not yet settled.
Key questions remain open, including:
- How the Government will define eligibility across the sector
- Whether the criteria capture the full breadth of Life Sciences & MedTech manufacturing and supply-chain activity
- How the application and assessment process will be designed and administered
- Whether the intended implementation timeline – currently April 2027 – is realistic or too slow for a sector experiencing sustained cost pressures
- Whether backdated benefits should be considered if implementation is delayed
This consultation is the industry’s opportunity to ensure the final scheme reflects the realities of Life Sciences manufacturing, rather than relying on overly narrow definitions that could exclude legitimate, energy-intensive activity.
A strong response from the sector will carry weight – especially when it highlights the essential role Life Sciences plays in the UK’s innovation ecosystem, health outcomes and industrial growth.
Who Should Respond?
Medilink encourages responses from:
- Medical technology manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical producers
- Diagnostics and lab-based manufacturers
- Advanced materials and medical device innovators
- Contract manufacturers and process-development specialists
- Any Life Sciences business operating in energy-intensive or regulated environments
If your operations involve any of the above listed activites, your perspective is highly relevant to this consultation.
How to Respond
The full consultation is open until 19 January 2025.
Responses can be submitted by businesses of all sizes and from any part of the Life Sciences & MedTech supply chain.
We strongly encourage members to review the consultation questions and provide feedback on the areas that will most directly affect your operations.
This Is a Collective Moment for the Life Sciences & MedTech Community
The BICS consultation provides a rare opportunity for the sector to help shape a policy that could materially support innovation, competitiveness and long-term resilience.
By responding, Medilink members can:
- Ensure the sector’s breadth is accurately understood
- Influence how eligibility is defined
- Highlight where the scheme must be expanded or clarified
- Advocate for fair, accessible processes for SMEs
- Strengthen the case for timely implementation or backdated support
Your voice matters – and your input will help ensure the Life Sciences sector is not only included, but properly represented.
We encourage all Medilink members to take part.
Need Support?
Leyton is on hand to answer any questions Medilink members may have about the consultation, the proposed eligibility criteria, or the potential impact on Life Sciences & MedTech manufacturing.
If you would welcome guidance or further context as you prepare your response, we’re happy to help.