How the UK Government’s new industrial strategy will help your business grow

On 23 June 2025, the UK government launched a new 10-year industrial strategy that puts businesses at the centre of long-term growth. The plan tackles some of the biggest barriers companies face: high energy costs, slow grid connections, skills shortages, and difficulty accessing finance.

If your business operates in manufacturing, clean energy, tech, or other growth sectors, this strategy offers a real opportunity to cut costs, access new funding, and grow with more confidence.

Key announcements at a glance

• Energy bill cuts of up to 25% for energy-intensive firms from 2027, through removal of green levies and increased network charge discounts.
• Faster grid connections for major projects, backed by the new Connections Accelerator Service.
• £275 million for technical training and apprenticeships to ease recruitment and skills gaps.
• £86 billion in R&D funding through to 2030 to support innovation in high-growth sectors.
• £25.6 billion capital pool at the British Business Bank, including a £4 billion fund for growth-stage companies.
• Industrial Strategy Zones to target investment in regional clusters and priority sectors.

Which sectors will benefit the most?

Manufacturing and industrial supply chains

If you’re in steel, chemicals, ceramics, glass, automotive, or aerospace, you’ll benefit from energy bill reductions and faster access to grid infrastructure—freeing up capital for reinvestment and expansion.

Clean energy and net zero

Projects in hydrogen, carbon capture, wind, solar, and nuclear will see increased government support. The launch of Great British Energy and investment in Sizewell C creates new demand and partnership opportunities across the clean energy supply chain.

Digital, AI, and advanced tech

If your business is innovating in AI, quantum computing, or other deep tech areas, you’ll see more R&D funding, access to supercomputing infrastructure, and a more coordinated approach to innovation support.

Creative industries and business services

These sectors will benefit from tailored growth plans, regional support, and new capital routes via the British Business Bank (BBB).

Practical opportunities for your business

What should I do next?

1. Assess your eligibility – Energy cost relief and funding support are targeted. Identify if your business fits within one of the priority sectors.
2. Plan your projects – Whether it’s expanding premises, launching new tech, or hiring skilled staff, now is the time to take a long-term view.
3. Explore available finance – With more public and private capital flowing into high-potential firms, Swoop can help match you to the right funding source.
4. Stay alert to regional opportunities – If you’re in a potential Industrial Strategy Zone, regional funding and infrastructure could unlock further growth.

How Swoop can help

The industrial strategy unlocks billions in new support for UK businesses, including:

• £4 billion in growth capital through the British Business Bank
• £86 billion in innovation funding for R&D, AI, clean energy, and advanced tech
• £275 million for technical training and apprenticeships
  
• Up to 25% savings on energy costs for eligible manufacturers
• Fast-tracked grid access through the new Connections Accelerator

At Swoop, we work with a full network of banks, grant bodies, government agencies and private investors distributing capital under this strategy. We’ll ensure your business is matched to the right opportunity, whether you’re looking to:

• cut costs
• expand your operations
• access specialist funding
• or invest in new talent and innovation

We’ll be digging deeper into each element of the strategy over the coming weeks. To stay updated and see how the detail unfolds for your sector, make sure you’re following us; we’re here to make sure you don’t miss out on what’s available.

Funding for growth is essential to the success of your business. Make sure you’re registered at Swoop for the full and up to date range of money-saving products and services so that you can make the best decisions at the best time.