adm Signal | Issue 01: Three things worth your board's time this autumn

Three things worth a minute of your board's time this autumn, plus one date manufacturers shouldn't miss.

1. A real window opens on 1st October

If you manufacture in Great Britain and use a lot of grid electricity, applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) run from 1st October to 30th November. The scheme gives relief on certain policy costs in your power bill for eligible sites. You can't amend an application once it's submitted, so it's worth getting it right first time.

2. The costs outside your energy bill

Since 1st April 2026, new business rates valuations have applied in England, Wales and Scotland. Make UK estimates they add nearly £1 billion a year to manufacturers' bills. The National Living Wage is now £12.71. Most boards aren't short of cost pressures. They're short of time to deal with them all.

3. Household bills are not your factory tariff

From 1st October, the Ofgem price cap goes up about 4%, to around £1,723 a year for a typical household. That won't change what your plant pays. It will change what your staff pay at home, and that tends to come up in pay talks.

One question for Monday's meeting: "We're already dealing with rates and wages. What's our plan for power, so it doesn't catch us out this winter?"

If a commercial sense-check would help, get in touch. I'll give you the numbers and your options, with no hard sell.