IGF Independent Growth Finance – reviews, analysis and fees

Last updated on 10 August 2023

IGF is an acronym for Independent Growth Finance, which should give you an idea of the business model of this lender – IGF provides invoice financing against outstanding payments, asset-based lending, and even commercial finance for businesses looking to expand.

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Be mindful that that company typically targets mid-tier businesses and above though; you’ll need a fairly substantial turnover to qualify for invoice funding, and sufficient existing inventory and financial needs to merit asset-based lending and property finance. If you meet the minimum criteria set by IGF, this lender offers a range of products that may be of interest.

Video: Business loans and finance explained

IGF Commercial Finance business loans and finance

Pros and cons of IGF for business finance 

ProsCons
Rapid access to funds tied up in unpaid invoices Minimum annual turnover of £3,000,000 required for invoice finance
Asset-based lending available to businesses that can afford it No online reviews, making it hard to assess the experience of business peers
Fast release of property funds for eligible borrowers Invoice finance is only available on an invoice discounting basis 
IGF Commercial Finance pros and cons

Invoice finance

IGF Commercial Finance is predominantly known for invoice financing, which is offered on an invoice discounting basis. Upload all open invoices to a portal provided by IGF and up to 90% of the value will be transferred to your business within 24 hours. The invoice will be settled with IGF, who will take a fee for their service and release the remaining funds to you.

Asset finance 

If you have inventory in your business that can be used as collateral for asset-based lending, IGF will loan up to 85% of the value of these assets to assist with business growth. This loan will be repaid on a revolving basis, depending on your existing stock levels. Alternatively, you can apply for a loan secured against machinery to the value of up to 75%, repayable for up to four years.

Inventory finance

Borrow up 85% of the value of your total inventory stock. This lending will revolve and evolve depending on how much stock you have at any given time.

Plant and machinery finance

Release funding of up to 75% secured against existing assets in your business, repayable for up to four years. 

Property finance

Secure a loan against a commercial property that you own, redirecting the funds into other aspects of your business. Loan to value is capped at 75% of the equity in your asset.

Commercial mortgages

IGF permit property loans and commercial mortgages with a loan-to-value ratio of 75%. These loans are strictly available on an amortised basis, with no option for interest-only repayments, but some measure of flexibility is offered on the repayment terms. 

Business loans 

IGF may be willing to provide a business with a cash flow loan based on projected income. IGF does not discuss this in detail on its website, so you’ll need to get in touch with the company to learn if you are eligible for this lending stream.

IGF account login

Merchant cash advance

Not available from IGF Independent Growth Finance. See best merchant cash advance

Business credit cards

Not available from IGF Independent Growth Finance. See best business credit cards

Business vehicle finance

Not available from IGF Independent Growth Finance. See business vehicle finance.

IGF Independent Growth Finance key information

Phone number0800 051 8397 
App downloadsN/A
Websitewww.igfgroup.com
Number of branches4 offices in the UK
FSCS protected?No
Founded1997
Key information

IGF Independent Growth Finance reviews

Review platformScoreNumber of votes
TrustPilotNot reviewedN/A
FeefoNot reviewedN/A
Reviews.ioNot reviewedN/A
Smart Money PeopleNot reviewedN/A
Which?Not reviewedN/A
Average scoreNo online reviewsNo votes
IGF Independent Growth Finance reviews and ratings

Business eligibility criteria

To qualify for funding with IGF, you’ll need a minimum annual turnover of £3,000,000, with a maximum turnover of £200,000,000. If your business is yet to reach these heights, there are plenty of alternative lenders on the market.

Business finance alternatives

As IGF Independent Growth Finance has such a high minimum turnover, you may wish to consider a different lender for your invoice financing needs or asset-based lending. Here is a handful of alternatives to consider.

  • Bibby Financial Services
  • Close Brothers
  • Creative Capital
  • eCapital Factoring
  • Kriya
  • Novuna Commercial Finance
  • Pulse Cashflow Finance
  • Skipton Business Finance
  • Team Factors
  • Time Finance Plc

Additional considerations

IGF is steadily growing in size, breaking profit records in 2021 and building upon this income in 2022.

FAQ

How long does it take to get finance approved by IGF Independent Growth Finance?

IGF typically approves and releases funds related to invoice financing within 24 hours. Property finance is also considered faster through this lender than many rivals.

How much can I borrow from IGF Independent Growth Finance?

Lending on an invoice finance basis is capped at 90% of the value of an outstanding invoice. Asset-based lending and property finance peak at £500,000,000.

How do I apply for finance from IGF Independent Growth Finance?

You can call IGF on 0800 051 8397 to start your application, or leave your contact details on an online form and request a callback.

Are there any hidden fees when borrowing from IGF Independent Growth Finance?

No, when you are provided with a quote you will know exactly how much you will be asked to repay with no nasty surprises down the line. Interest rates on property and asset-based lending will vary depending on the type of arrangement you take out.

Does IGF set a fixed term for repayments?

As IGF receive its funds when a customer invoice is settled, this is the de facto deadline for repayment on invoice based finance. Asset-based lending could be repaid over four years or a longer period based on your income, depending on what kind of lending you take out. 

Will I need to secure borrowing from IGF against an asset?

Asset-based lending from IGF must be secured against existing inventory in your business. Borrowing on an invoice finance basis is an unsecured loan.

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