Finally, the UK has a Modern Industrial Strategy, as launched by the government on 23 June 2025. The government claims the long awaited strategy “sets out a ten-year plan to increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the UK.” A more detailed delve however, highlights a perceived bias towards the energy sector, leaving other industrial sectors, including foundation industries, feeling a little overlooked.
Many have welcomed the targeted energy relief in the form of the expansion of the British Industry Supercharger, which will now offer up to ninety per cent relief on electricity network charges for eligible energy intensive businesses. The details of such will need to be expanded upon before we can “hang out the bunting” and commence any celebratory laps of honour.
Indeed, Ceramics UK has questioned the government’s “lack of understanding” on the importance of their sector and queried why “the Department for Business, the Department for Energy, and the Treasury still do not seem to understand that energy-intensive doesn’t just mean electro-intensive. Ceramics need help with gas prices.” A point well made, I think! Although, the body that represents the needs of its wide-ranging membership has welcomed the government’s decision to rule out zonal pricing of wholesale electricity as part of its Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA), in favour of a “fairer, more stable energy pricing system for all regions.”
Meanwhile, the aluminium sector and cast metals industry have noted that despite the progress, the word ‘metal’ appears on just one occasion in the 160-page Modern Industrial Strategy document! The latest campaign to re-address the balance is Back British Metals, urging the government to “recognise and strengthen the UK’s capability to produce, process and recycle essential metals.”
Clearly there is more to do and details to finalise, but at least the Modern Industrial Strategy is now a policy that can be instigated and shows a commitment to make changes to drive manufacturing, especially advanced manufacturing, in a country that is steeped in industrial tradition and success. Let’s face it, it’s a step in the right direction!
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