IGF marks decade of growth since management buyout

Independent Growth Finance (IGF) is celebrating ten years since its acquisition by Spring Ventures and a management team led by John Onslow, marking a decade of significant growth and transformation for the independent asset-based lender.

The milestone was celebrated at the company’s annual summer party last week, bringing together employees, board members, shareholders and industry partners to reflect on the business’s achievements since April 2016 and its ambitions for the future.

Over the past decade, IGF has evolved from a specialist factoring business with a £17 million loan book into one of the UK’s leading independent asset-based lenders, offering a comprehensive suite of funding solutions to SMEs and mid-market businesses.

Since the acquisition, the company has onboarded around 350 clients from across the UK and grown its loan book to a peak value of more than £300 million, supporting businesses with working capital and growth funding throughout varying economic conditions.

“Reaching our tenth anniversary is a proud milestone for everyone at IGF,” he said. “Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of supporting hundreds of ambitious businesses and servicing more than £20 billion of client turnover to help them grow, invest and navigate change.

“These achievements are only possible because of the trust placed in us by our clients, introducers, shareholders and colleagues. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.”

Chait added that while the business was proud of its progress over the last ten years, its focus remained firmly on supporting the evolving needs of UK businesses.

“While we are proud of what we’ve achieved over the last ten years, we remain focused on the future. The needs of UK businesses continue to evolve, and we are committed to providing the flexible funding solutions and partnership approach that will help our clients succeed in the years ahead.”

John Hudson, managing partner at Spring Ventures, said IGF’s growth had been driven by its commitment to funding certainty, long-term relationships and customer-focused lending.

“Over the past ten years we have been immensely proud to see IGF mature from a small invoice finance business, with a £17 million loan book, to become a leading independent asset-based lender offering a full range of funding solutions,” he said.

“Over this time IGF has supported hundreds of clients with flexible funding solutions, helping them to achieve their business growth ambitions. This has been possible through the dedication and commitment of our people, both past and present, and by adhering to our values centred on delivering funding certainty and building enduring partnerships with our clients and the professional advisory community.”

As it enters its second decade, IGF said it remains committed to its relationship-led approach, providing funding certainty and flexible finance solutions to businesses navigating an increasingly complex economic environment.