The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) and the Cast Metals Federation (CMF) have submitted a briefing to UK Ministers and MPs urging action on industrial energy competitiveness.
This follows discussions at the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG) in London, UK, on 23 June.
The briefing highlights growing concerns over the impact of industrial energy costs on UK manufacturing competitiveness, investment, and employment.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said: “The message from industry is clear.
“Energy costs are no longer simply affecting profitability; they are influencing investment decisions, recruitment plans, and the long-term future of manufacturing capability in the UK.
“The aluminium sector supports critical supply chains and plays an essential role in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient industrial base.
“If we are serious about reindustrialisation and economic growth, we must ensure that UK manufacturers can compete on a level playing field internationally."
The briefing has been shared with Ministers and parliamentarians to support ongoing discussions around industrial competitiveness, energy policy, and the future development of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BISC).
However, both organisations stress that sustainable reindustrialisation cannot be achieved through support schemes alone.
They said that while interventions such as BICS can provide important short-term relief, businesses and investors generally view such mechanisms as temporary policy measures rather than long-term foundations for investment decisions.
The briefing therefore calls for a long-term strategy to deliver internationally competitive industrial electricity prices and create the conditions necessary for sustained investment, growth, and manufacturing expansion.
The joint submission also raises concerns regarding the current exclusion of aluminium casting and other non-ferrous processing activities from BICS eligibility criteria.
These sectors are highly energy intensive and play a critical role within UK manufacturing supply chains, supplying products and components to strategically important sectors including defence, aerospace, automotive, and energy.
ALFED and CMF are calling on the UK Government to review the evidence underpinning current eligibility classifications and ensure that future industrial competitiveness policies support complete manufacturing supply chains rather than isolated sectors.
Furthermore, both organisations have called for greater clarity on implementation timelines, eligibility criteria, future reviews, and long-term policy direction to provide manufacturers with the confidence required to invest in people, facilities, and low-carbon technologies.
