IGF (Independent Growth Finance) vs Time Finance: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) and Time Finance both score 4.1 of 5 in our 2026 UK review. Both are UK independent invoice finance providers, freer than banks on covenants and faster on decisioning. The difference is sector specialism, headline rate and minimum turnover floor. IGF (Independent Growth Finance) advances up to 90% receivables + stock + plant with setup typically in 10 working days; Time Finance advances up to 90% with setup in 7 working days. Minimum turnover sits at £500k for IGF (Independent Growth Finance) and £250k for Time Finance. The right answer depends on your sector, ledger size and how soon you need the line live. Read the side-by-side below, then jump to the "when X wins" sections.
Side-by-side
| IGF (Independent Growth Finance) | Time Finance | |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster | independent | independent |
| Product type | Invoice finance (ABL, CID), asset-based lending | Invoice finance, asset finance, vehicle finance |
| Min turnover | £500k | £250k |
| Advance rate | Up to 90% receivables + stock + plant | Up to 90% |
| Typical fee | Bespoke pricing | 1.5% to 3% service charge |
| Contract / commitment | Whole-ledger or selective | Whole-ledger or selective |
| Confidential available? | Yes | Yes |
| Factoring available? | Yes | Yes |
| Setup speed | 10 working days | 7 working days |
| Best for | Mid-market £5m-£50m turnover; Complex ABL needs (receivables + stock); Turnaround and restructure cases | SME service businesses; Multi-product facility seekers; £250k-£5m turnover |
| Overall rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-05-12 | 2026-05-12 |
When IGF (Independent Growth Finance) wins
- ABL specialist: receivables + stock + plant under one facility.
- Mid-market deals to £25m, where monoline IF lenders cap out.
- Flexible covenant negotiation.
- Established mid-market reputation since 2001.
Best for
Mid-market £5m-£50m turnover, Complex ABL needs (receivables + stock), Turnaround and restructure cases.
Watch outs
- Pricing bespoke, not transparent in marketing.
- Setup 10 days, slower than monoline IF.
- £500k+ minimum excludes smaller SMEs.
When Time Finance wins
- AIM-listed independent, financial transparency.
- Multi-product cross-sell capability.
- SME-friendly underwriting culture.
- £150m annual funding scale.
Best for
SME service businesses, Multi-product facility seekers, £250k-£5m turnover.
Watch outs
- Not the lowest-cost mainstream choice.
- Less brand presence than Bibby or Close Brothers.
- Smaller team than mid-market banks.
FAQ
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) or Time Finance: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.1 of 5 versus 4.1 for Time Finance. That headline does not settle the answer though. IGF (Independent Growth Finance) is the stronger pick for mid-market £5m-£50m turnover; Time Finance is the stronger pick for sme service businesses. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.
What are the headline commercials, IGF (Independent Growth Finance) vs Time Finance?
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) advances up to 90% receivables + stock + plant at bespoke pricing. Time Finance advances up to 90% at 1.5% to 3% service charge. Minimum turnover is £500k for IGF (Independent Growth Finance) and £250k for Time Finance. Setup runs 10 working days for IGF (Independent Growth Finance) and 7 working days for Time Finance. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.
Can I get a confidential facility with either IGF (Independent Growth Finance) or Time Finance?
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). Time Finance offers confidential invoice discounting. If your customer relationships make disclosure a non-starter, that determines the answer regardless of headline rate.
Where does each one struggle?
IGF (Independent Growth Finance) is the wrong fit for sub-£500k turnover. Time Finance is the wrong fit for sub-£250k turnover. If either describes your business, browse the side-by-side or get matched against the wider UK panel via our quote form.
Can Market Invoice help me choose between IGF (Independent Growth Finance) and Time Finance?
Yes. We are an independent UK invoice finance comparison operated by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937). We are not tied to either provider. Tell us monthly turnover, sector, debtor profile and whether you need the facility confidential. We match you against the UK invoice finance providers most likely to approve at a competitive rate, then stay your editorial reference for life.
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Get quotes →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-12. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).