Independent Growth Finance (IGF) has made two appointments to its asset based lending sales team.

Nigel Hibbert has been hired as ABL director, strengthening IGF’s presence in the South East.

Following this latest appointment, IGF’s ABL sales team has increased 50% in the last 12 months.

Hibbert has 17 years’ experience working in asset based lending and invoice finance. Prior to joining IGF, he held the position of relationship director at Shawbrook Bank, as well as senior roles at a number of high street banks and independent financiers.

He will be responsible for strengthening relationships in the South East with a focus on asset based lending and invoice discounting.

In the North West, Bradley Shackleton joins the sales team to support the growth of its presence in the region. Shackleton previously worked at CRS, specialising in the recruitment of professionals in the invoice finance and ABL sector.

Jon Hughes, commercial director for asset based lending at IGF, said: “More companies are continuing to adopt alternative finance to achieve growth without diluting equity. We pride ourselves on generating a deep understanding of our clients’ business – to do that we need the right people.

“We are very optimistic about 2019; Nigel and the wider sales team will help us deliver new records during the coming year.”

Hibbert added: “I’m delighted to be joining IGF at such a pivotal time. The business has a highly respected and entrepreneurial reputation within the market place. I believe in the leadership team’s growth goals and look forward to driving forward the company’s expansion.”