Industrial Strategy Sector Definitions List
Published 23 June 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy/industrial-strategy-sector-definitions-list
This page contains the definitions used across the Industrial Strategy growth-driving sectors (the ‘IS-8’ sectors). These are:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean Energy Industries
- Creative Industries
- Defence
- Digital and Technologies
- Financial Services
- Life Sciences
- Professional and Business Services
The Industrial Strategy uses a mixed approach to defining sectors, with sectors defined using:
- the official Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)
- other bases more relevant to the sector
- a mixture of SIC and other bases more relevant to the sector
The most appropriate data sources for sectors will often depend on the method by which the sector is defined, and will vary across sectors.
Sector definitions may overlap. Companies may belong to more than one sector.
The SIC code system is arranged in a hierarchy. In this sector definitions list, SIC codes are given at the highest level in the hierarchy applicable. For example, ‘SIC 29: Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers’, rather than the individual SIC codes that sit underneath SIC 29.
This page lists the ‘frontier industries’ for each sector (previously referred to as ‘subsectors’ in the Invest 2035 publication). Frontier industries are particular subgroups within the IS-8.[footnote 1]
Definitions are also given for the Industrial Strategy foundational industries and inputs.
For further detail on:
- the analytical programme of the Industrial Strategy, see the Industrial Strategy Technical Annex
- the growth-driving sectors and their frontier industries, see the Sector Plans
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing comprises production processes that integrate advanced science and technology, including digital and automation, to manufacturing. These processes rely on:
- research and development (R&D)
- innovation
- specialised knowledge
- knowledge networks
- a highly skilled workforce
They help:
- UK manufacturers to create products and product-service solutions that meet future technological demands
- the UK to drive national and regional growth
- improve our economic resilience
- lead on the transitions of net zero, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation
While examples of these activities can be found across the range of manufacturing sectors, they are more common in the higher technology subsectors of manufacturing.
As a more tangible and measurable proxy for Advanced Manufacturing, DBT uses a version of the Eurostat and UN definition of high and medium-high technology manufacturing, excluding the manufacture of pharmaceuticals which is covered in the Life Sciences sector in the Industrial Strategy.
Individual Advanced Manufacturing frontier industries will also have activity that is found across manufacturing.
Advanced Manufacturing use of SIC codes
The following list of SIC codes is used as a measurable proxy for Advanced Manufacturing.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 20 | Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products |
| 26 | Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products |
| 27 | Manufacture of electrical equipment |
| 28 | Manufacture of machinery and equipment not elsewhere classified |
| 29 | Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers |
| 30 | Manufacture of other transport equipment |
Read the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan for further information.
The Advanced Manufacturing sector’s frontier industries
Advanced materials
Manufacturing of materials using production processes that integrate advanced science and technology.
Advanced materials: use of SIC codes
Cannot be easily represented using the SIC system.
Aerospace manufacturing
Manufacture of aerospace transport equipment, and parts and accessories, including motors and engines for aircraft.
Aerospace manufacturing: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 303 | Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery |
| 3316 | Repair and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft |
Agritech
Precision technologies to improve agricultural input and output processes that exploit the application of:
- controlled environments
- robotics and automation
- advanced sensors
- AI and data systems
Agritech: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 283 | Manufacture of agricultural and forestry machinery |
While SIC 283 applies to this definition, this may not capture the full extent of robotics and automation that can be used in agricultural or horticultural settings.
Automotive manufacturing
Manufacture of motor vehicles and parts and accessories for motor vehicles.
Automotive manufacturing: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 29 | Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers |
Batteries
Battery manufacturing, including the battery manufacturing supply chain.
Batteries: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 272 | Manufacture of batteries and accumulators |
Plus the wider battery supply chain including activity inside and outside SIC 272.
Space
Space manufacturing – recognising that space services are an inextricably linked part of the overall space sector and are components of advanced communications technologies and the wider Digital and Technologies, and Defence sectors. [footnote 2]
Space: use of SIC codes
Spacecraft manufacturing within ‘SIC 303: Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery’, noting that the full extent of space manufacturing may not be fully captured in this SIC code.
Clean Energy Industries
Clean Energy Industries are the industries which directly contribute to the clean power transition. These are the companies that are part of the supply chain, manufacturing and services relating to the deployment, construction, and maintenance of clean energy assets and products.
Clean Energy Industries: use of SIC codes
The SIC classification system is too restrictive to define Clean Energy Industries, as:
- the activity takes place in many SIC codes across manufacturing, construction, and services
- many SIC codes are too high-level to define activity in clean energy assets and products – this is the case for all of the frontier industries inside Clean Energy Industries
Read the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan for further information.
The clean energy sector’s frontier industries
- Carbon capture and undersea storage (CCUS) and greenhouse gas removal (GGR)
- Heat pumps
- Hydrogen
- Nuclear fission
- Nuclear fusion
- Offshore and onshore wind
Carbon capture and undersea storage (CCUS) and greenhouse gas removal (GGR)
- manufacture of goods in the CCUS supply chain
- manufacture of goods in the supply chain of other GGR technologies
- services related to the deployment of CCUS and other GGRs
Carbon capture and undersea storage and greenhouse gas removal: use of SIC codes
The CCUS and GGR frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Heat pumps
- manufacture of heat pumps
- services related to the deployment of heat pumps
Heat pumps: use of SIC codes
The heat pumps frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Hydrogen
- manufacture of goods in the hydrogen supply chain
- services related to the deployment of hydrogen
Hydrogen: use of SIC codes
The hydrogen frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Nuclear fission
- manufacture of goods in the nuclear fission supply chain (including nuclear fuels)
- services related to the deployment, maintenance, and decommissioning of nuclear fission
This includes large scale nuclear and smaller nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs).
Nuclear fission: use of SIC codes
The nuclear fission frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Nuclear fusion
The nuclear fusion frontier industry is defined as R&D activities relating to the commercialisation of fusion.
Nuclear fusion: use of SIC codes
The nuclear fusion frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Offshore and onshore wind
- manufacture of goods in the offshore and onshore wind supply chains
- services relating to the deployment and maintenance of offshore and onshore wind
Offshore and onshore wind: use of SIC codes
The onshore and offshore wind frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Creative Industries
The Creative Industries sector covers industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill, and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property. [footnote 3]
Creative Industries: use of SIC codes
See the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) sectors economic estimates for further information.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3212 | Manufacture of jewellery and related articles |
| 58 | Publishing activities |
| 59 | Motion picture, video and television programme production; sound recording and music publishing activities |
| 60 | Programming and broadcasting activities |
| 6201 | Computer programming activities |
| 6202 | Computer consultancy activities |
| 7021 | Public relations and communication activities |
| 7111 | Architectural activities |
| 731 | Advertising |
| 741 | Specialised design activities |
| 742 | Photographic activities |
| 743 | Translation and interpretation activities |
| 8552 | Cultural education |
| 90 | Creative, arts, and entertainment activities |
| 9101 | Library and archive activities |
| 9102 | Museum activities |
Read the Creative Industries Sector Plan for further information.
The Creative Industries sector’s frontier industries
Advertising and marketing
Advertising and marketing, including wider public relations and communications activities.
Advertising and marketing: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 7021 | Public relations and communication activities |
| 731 | Advertising |
Film and TV
Film and TV activities, including production, post-production, and distribution of motion pictures, the projection of motion pictures; and TV broadcasting. Film and TV is inside ‘film, TV, video, radio, and photography’ within the overall set of Creative Industries subsectors.
Film and TV: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 591 | Motion picture, video, and television programme activities |
| 602 | Television programming and broadcasting activities |
Music, performing, and visual arts
Music, performing, and visual arts activities. This includes sound recording and music publishing activities, as well as cultural education, and performing arts, artistic creation, and supporting activities.
Music, performing, and visual arts: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 592 | Sound recording and music publishing activities |
| 8552 | Cultural education |
| 90 | Creative, arts, and entertainment activities |
Video games
Video games development and distribution. Video games is inside ‘IT, software and computer services’ within the overall set of Creative Industries subsectors.
Video games: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 5821 | Publishing of computer games |
| 62011 | Ready-made interactive leisure and entertainment software development |
While SICs 5821 and 62011 apply to this definition, these may not capture the full extent of software and computer services that are used in the video games ecosystem.
Defence sector
The Defence sector covers activities that directly support the production and delivery of goods or services (including subcontracted work) for a defence customer (UK or international).
Further detail will be set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Defence sector: use of SIC codes
The SIC classification system is too restrictive to define the Defence sector, as the activity takes place in many SIC codes across manufacturing, construction, and services. In addition, the majority of SIC codes do not differentiate between civil and defence products and services; for example, defence aerospace manufacturing is contained within ‘SIC 303: Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery’.
Analysis will often require data sources that apply to Defence specifically. There are 2 SIC codes that are dedicated to defence manufacturing, but these will only be a subsection of the Defence sector. These are:
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 254 | Manufacture of weapons and ammunition |
| 304 | Manufacture of military fighting vehicles |
The Defence sector’s frontier industries
Defence frontier industries are either as core capabilities or as enablers.
- Combat air
- Complex weapons
- Directed energy weapons
- Drones and autonomous systems
- Maritime capabilities
Combat air
Research, design, manufacturing, and services relating to combat air, as a Defence core capability.
Combat air: use of SIC codes
The combat air frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented. Defence aerospace manufacturing is one activity inside ‘SIC 303: Manufacture of air and spacecraft and related machinery’.
Complex weapons
Research, design, manufacturing, and services relating to missiles and air defence systems, as a Defence core capability.
Complex weapons: use of SIC codes
The complex weapons frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Directed energy weapons
Research, design, manufacturing, and services relating to directed energy weapons, as a Defence core capability.
Directed energy weapons: use of SIC codes
The directed energy weapons frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Drones and autonomous systems
Research, design, manufacturing, and services relating to drones and autonomous systems, as a defence enabler.
Drones and autonomous systems: use of SIC codes
The drones and autonomous systems frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
Maritime capabilities
Research and design services relating to military shipbuilding, as a Defence core capability.
Maritime capabilities: use of SIC codes
The maritime capabilities frontier industry is spread across many parts of the SIC system and cannot be easily represented.
There are some overlaps with the other IS-8 sectors. Space under Advanced Manufacturing and 6 Digital and Technologies sector frontier industries are also listed as Defence enablers, underneath their main IS-8 sector. The 6 Digital and Technologies sector frontier industries that are Defence enablers are:
- quantum technologies
- AI
- cyber security
- engineering biology
- advanced connectivity technologies
- semiconductors
Digital and Technologies
The Digital and Technologies sector develops and applies advanced technologies and digital tools to drive transformative changes in our economy and society. These technologies are foundational, enabling other innovations and transformation across other sectors. Many are emerging, novel, and untested, and will therefore take some time to be fully developed and realise their potential for high economic growth.
Technologies related to Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Defence, and Life Sciences are excluded as they are covered in Separate Sector Plans.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is exploring innovative approaches to more accurately define the sector and the complex relationship between technology and economic growth. The SIC system does not accurately reflect emerging or fast-changing sectors – such as the Digital and Technologies sector – and the provisional SIC-based definition is only used as a proxy, to maintain consistency with other sectors, for particular estimates.
Digital and Technologies: use of SIC codes
A provisional SIC-based definition is used in some instances to maintain consistency with the other IS-8 sectors. This SIC-derived definition is only a proxy and does not fully capture the detail and fast-changing nature of the sector, and the extent of diversified companies in the sector. The SIC-derived definition builds upon the SIC-based definition of the digital sector used in the Digital Sector Economic Estimates Series, but it is not limited to that definition.
The provisional SIC-based definition of the Digital and Technologies sector includes:
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 261 | Manufacture of electronic components and boards |
| 262 | Manufacture of computers and peripheral equipment |
| 263 | Manufacture of communication equipment |
| 264 | Manufacture of consumer electronics |
| 26511 | Manufacture of electronic instruments and appliances for measuring, testing, and navigation, except industrial process control equipment |
| 26512 | Manufacture of electronic industrial process control equipment |
| 26513 | Manufacture of non-electronic instruments and appliances for measuring, testing, and navigation, except industrial process control equipment |
| 26701 | Manufacture of optical precision instruments |
| 268 | Manufacture of magnetic and optical media |
| 2731 | Manufacture of fibre optic cables |
| 2732 | Manufacture of other electronic and electric wires and cables |
| 279 | Manufacture of other electrical equipment |
| 465 | Wholesale of information and communication equipment |
| 58 | Publishing activities |
| 59 | Motion picture, video, and television programme production; sound recording; music publishing activities |
| 60 | Programming and broadcasting activities |
| 61 | Telecommunications |
| 62 | Computer programming, consultancy, and related activities |
| 63 | Information service activities |
| 7112 | Engineering activities and related technical consultancy |
| 712 | Technical testing and analysis |
| 721 | Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering |
| 951 | Repair of computers and communication equipment |
Read the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan for further information.
The Digital and Technologies sector’s frontier industries
- Advanced connectivity technologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering biology
- Quantum technologies
- Semiconductors
Advanced connectivity technologies
Companies undertaking work in a range of cutting-edge technologies that enable the transmission of data in our increasingly digitised economy and society – connecting people and things.
These include technologies that make up advanced wireless systems, such as:
- 5G and the transition to 6G
- non-terrestrial networks
- advanced optical networks
- the integration of AI – and in time quantum – with communications
See the advanced connectivity technologies: market scoping analysis for further information.
Advanced connectivity technologies: use of SIC codes
The advanced connectivity technologies frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system.
Artificial intelligence
Companies that provide AI services, products, and infrastructure.
AI is a transformative technology that performs tasks normally requiring human intelligence – such as understanding language, recognising patterns, and making decisions – while handling large volumes of work more quickly and efficiently.
It has many use cases such as:
- accelerating drug discovery in healthcare
- summarising complex legal documents
- improving customer service through virtual assistants
See the AI sector study for further information.
Artificial intelligence: use of SIC codes
The AI frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system.
Cybersecurity
Companies that protect the technology we rely on for everyday life and work.
This includes:
- protecting critical infrastructure like power grids
- securing personal data in healthcare systems
- safeguarding financial institutions from fraud
It is crucial for protecting our economy and ensuring our security online.
See cyber security sectoral analysis for further information.
Cybersecurity: use of SIC codes
The cybersecurity frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system.
Engineering biology
Companies that engage in the design, scaling, and commercialisation of biology-derived products and services that can transform sectors or produce existing products more sustainably. Their work draws on the tools of synthetic biology to create the next wave of innovation in the bioeconomy. It has applications across many sectors, ranging from medicine and manufacturing to materials and food.
Engineering biology: use of SIC codes
The engineering biology frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system.
Quantum technologies
Companies and innovators that develop and sell products and services based on quantum phenomena, or whose principal applications are in quantum technologies. These technologies leverage quantum mechanics to deliver new capabilities with the potential to outperform classical technologies across the IS-8 sectors, such as Clean Energy Industries, Defence, Financial Services, and Life Sciences.
Quantum technologies: use of SIC codes
The quantum technologies frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system.
Semiconductors
Companies engaging in semiconductor design, development, and manufacturing.
Semiconductors are materials used in electronic devices and digital technologies we use every day. They are crucial for our economy and are used to power smartphones and computers and enable renewable energy and advanced medical devices.
See the semiconductor sector study for further information.
Semiconductors: use of SIC codes
The semiconductor frontier industry cannot be easily reflected using the SIC system. Semiconductor manufacturing is one activity within ‘SIC 2611: Manufacture of electronic components’.
Financial Services
The Financial Services sector encompasses a broad range of businesses that manage money and provide financial services to individuals, businesses, and governments. This sector includes, among others:
- banks
- credit unions
- insurance companies
- investment firms
- asset management companies
- capital markets
- hedge funds
- financial technology firms
- private equity firms
- real estate companies
These organisations offer various services such as:
- lending
- investment management
- insurance
- payment processing
- financial advisory services
The sector offers financial services both to individuals (retail) and organisations (wholesale), including sustainable products.
The sector plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating transactions, supplying capital, and helping to manage risk.
Financial Services: use of SIC codes
Within the context of the Industrial Strategy, the sector is defined by the 2007 SIC code K, Financial and Insurance Activities.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 64 | Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding |
| 65 | Insurance, reinsurance, and pension funding, except compulsory social security |
| 66 | Activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities |
The Financial Services sector’s frontier industries
- Asset management and wholesale services
- Capital markets and retail investment
- Fintech
- Insurance and reinsurance markets
- Sustainable finance
Asset management and wholesale services
Asset management or investment management includes the management of investment portfolios and risk management, both on behalf of funds and as segregated mandates for individual clients. Clients may be based domestically or abroad. Asset management also captures fund management, which involves administrative services associated with running an investment fund.
Wholesale services encompass a broad range of financial services provided to large entities such as corporations, governments, and other financial institutions. Services include strategic financial advice, and access to capital markets.
Asset management and wholesale services: use of SIC codes
In the SIC classification, wholesale services overlaps with capital markets and retail investment. The SIC codes for asset management are given here.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 663 | Fund management activities |
| 643 | Trusts, funds, and similar financial entities |
Capital markets and retail investment
Capital markets are financial markets in which financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, derivatives (including commodity derivatives), and foreign exchange are traded. Capital markets encompass both the markets themselves and the ecosystem that sits around markets, for example:
- data providers
- research
- clearing – including over the counter (OTC) and exchange traded derivatives
- settlement
Capital markets support firms to invest and grow.
Retail investment refers to the ownership of financial assets by individual investors rather than by institutional investors, such as pension funds. Retail investment typically takes place through intermediaries – for example banks, asset managers, and other brokers – and can entail:
- the purchase of a financial asset – for example a stock or bond
- an investment which offers indirect exposure to an underlying asset – for example, a unit in a collective investment scheme
Capital markets and retail investment: use of SIC codes
In the SIC classification, wholesale services overlaps with capital markets and retail investment. The SIC codes for the combination capital markets, retail investment, and wholesale services are given here.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 64191 | Banks |
| 642 | Activities of holding companies |
| 64301 | Activities of investment trusts |
| 6499 | Other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding, not elsewhere classified |
| 6611 | Administration of financial markets |
| 6612 | Security and commodity contracts brokerage |
Fintech
Fintech (short for ‘financial technology’) refers to the use of technology to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services. Fintech companies are companies whose activity has a particular emphasis on delivery of financial services and products through new technology, aiming to improve and innovate the way these services are delivered to consumers and businesses.
Fintech: use of SIC codes
Fintech cannot be easily represented by the SIC system.
Insurance and reinsurance markets
Markets involved with the pricing and transfer of risk. Insurance and reinsurance markets includes:
- insurance exports
- the insurance of commercial and specialty activities and risks
- insurance intermediation for the same
It excludes domestic consumer markets.
Insurance and reinsurance markets usage of SIC codes
Excluding domestic consumer insurance from:
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 6512 | Non-life insurance |
| 65202 | Non-life reinsurance |
| 6621 | Risk and damage evaluation |
| 6622 | Activities of insurance agents and brokers |
Sustainable finance
Sustainable finance refers to a range of financial activities which consider and support the transition to a sustainable global economy. This includes investment into new technologies or processes which have a lower environmental impact than existing technology. This is cross-cutting, and can apply to a range of activities, for example:
- mortgage products offered by retail banks
- investment funds which are labelled as sustainable
- investment advice on the basis of sustainability assessments
Sustainable finance: use of SIC codes
Sustainable finance cannot be easily represented by the SIC system.
Life Sciences
Businesses involved in developing and/or producing their own pharmaceutical products and all businesses whose primary business involves developing and producing medical technology products, ranging from single-use consumables to complex hospital equipment, including digital health products.
The SIC system does not adequately cover the Life Sciences sector, and the Office for Life Sciences has developed its own bioscience and health technology sector industry classification system, to cover this detail.
See the bioscience and health technology sector statistics for further information.
Life Sciences: use of SIC codes
Many SIC codes include an element of life sciences activity. Within this group several SIC codes have a greater representation of the Life Sciences sector, though collectively they only account for part of the Life Sciences sector.
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 21 | Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations |
| 266 | Manufacture of irradiation, electromedical, and electrotherapeutic equipment |
| 325 | Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies |
| 7211 | Research and experimental development on biotechnology |
The Life Sciences sector’s frontier industries
BioPharma
Core biopharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical service and supply chain. Core biopharmaceutical businesses are involved in developing or producing – or both developing and producing – their own pharmaceutical products. Biopharmaceutical service and supply chain businesses offer goods and services to core biopharmaceutical businesses including, for example:
- contract research and manufacturing organisations
- suppliers of consumables and reagents for research and development facilities
BioPharma: use of SIC codes
BioPharma is defined using the Office for Life Sciences bioscience and health technology sector classification.
MedTech
Core medical technology and medical technology service and supply chain. Core medical technology businesses’ primary business involves developing and producing medical technology products, ranging from single-use consumables to complex hospital equipment, including digital health products. Medical technology service and supply chain businesses offer goods and services to core medical technology businesses, including, for example:
- contract research and manufacturing organisations
- suppliers of consumables and reagents for research and development facilities
MedTech: use of SIC codes
MedTech is defined using the Office for Life Sciences bioscience and health technology sector classification.
Professional and Business Services
The Professional and Business Services sector provides specialist advice and support primarily to other businesses, enabling firms in all sectors to maintain and grow their operations.
Professional and Business Services: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 69 | Legal and accounting activities |
| 70 | Activities of head offices; management consultancy activities |
| 71 | Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis |
| 72 | Scientific research and development |
| 73 | Advertising and market research |
| 74 | Other professional, scientific, and technical activities |
| 77 | Rental and leasing activities |
| 78 | Employment activities |
| 82 | Office administrative, office support, and other business support activities |
Read the Professional and Business Services Sector Plan for further information.
The Professional and Business Services sector’s frontier industries
Accounting, audit, and tax consultancy
Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping activities, including preparation or auditing of financial accounts and examination of accounts and certification of their accuracy. Tax consultancy activities including preparation of tax returns and other tax advisory and representation activities.
Accounting, audit and tax consultancy: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 692 | Accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing activities; tax consultancy |
Legal services
Legal representation of one party’s interest against another party, general counselling and advising, preparation of legal documents, and other legal activities.
Legal services: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 691 | Legal activities |
Management consultancy
The provision of advice and assistance to businesses and other organisations on management issues.
Management consultancy: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 702 | Management consultancy activities |
Foundational industries and inputs
Foundational industries provide critical inputs and infrastructure across the IS-8 sectors, listed below. A new Supply Chain Centre will test and iterate this initial analysis with industry and experts in the future. For further information on foundational industries and inputs, see the Industrial Strategy Technical Annex.
Chemicals
Chemicals manufacturing, as a foundational industry providing critical inputs and infrastructure in the Industrial Strategy
Chemicals: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 20 | Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products |
Critical minerals
The mining, refining, midstream processing/early manufacturing, and recycling of critical minerals.
Critical minerals: use of SIC codes
Critical minerals cannot be easily represented by the SIC system. It includes activity present in mining, manufacturing, waste collection, and materials recovery.
Composites
Manufacture of glass fibres and carbon fibres.
Composites: use of SIC codes
While these activities are covered inside ‘SIC 2319: Manufacture and processing of other glass, including technical glassware’ and ‘SIC 2399: Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products not elsewhere classified’, these SIC codes include many other parts of materials manufacturing.
Construction
Construction is a foundational industry providing critical inputs and infrastructure in the Industrial Strategy.
Construction: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 41 | Construction of buildings |
| 42 | Civil engineering |
| 43 | Specialised construction activities |
Energy networks
Transmission and distribution of electricity, as a foundational industry providing critical inputs and infrastructure in the Industrial Strategy.
Electricity networks: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3512 | Transmission of electricity |
| 3513 | Distribution of electricity |
Materials
Glass, ceramic, cement, and concrete materials manufacturing, as foundational industries providing critical inputs and infrastructure in the Industrial Strategy.
Materials: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 2311 | Manufacture of flat glass |
| 2313 | Manufacture of hollow glass |
| 2314 | Manufacture of glass fibres |
| 2319 | Manufacture and processing of other glass, including technical glassware |
| 232 | Manufacture of refractory products |
| 2331 | Manufacture of ceramic tiles and flags |
| 2332 | Manufacture of bricks, tiles, and construction products, in baked clay |
| 2349 | Manufacture of other ceramic products |
| 235 | Manufacture of cement, lime, and plaster |
| 236 | Manufacture of articles of concrete, cement, and plaster |
Ports
Ports, within the wider freight and logistics sector.
Ports: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 52101 | Operation of warehousing and storage facilities for water transport activities |
| 5222 | Service activities incidental to water transportation |
| 52241 | Cargo handling for water transport activities |
Steel
Basic iron and steel manufacturing, as a foundational industry providing critical inputs and infrastructure in the Industrial Strategy.
Steel: use of SIC codes
| SIC code | Description |
|---|---|
| 241 | Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys |
| 242 | Manufacture of tubes, pipes, hollow profiles, and related fittings of steel |
| 243 | Manufacture of other products of first processing of steel |
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These industry groups may be referred to interchangeably as either ‘sectors’ or ‘subsectors’, and have different usage and definitions outside the Industrial Strategy. For example, “the AI sector within Digital and Technologies” or “video games subsector within the Creative Industries sector”. ↩
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See Size and Health of the UK Space Industry, 2023, for further information on the definition and subdivision of the overall space sector. ↩