From clients, introducers and lenders
“Since first meeting Ian around 8 weeks ago we have all been impressed by his knowledge, experience, and network of financial community members with whom he clearly has built great credibility over an extensive period. This all led to our successful business mortgage application.
He confidently helped us transform our business case and achieve our goal and at a very competitive rate of interest. Ian was a pleasure to work with. He was recommended to us, and we very much recommend him to others seeking a similar service.”
P.S. Director, Optical Surgery Business
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“Our business being at the forefront of the international tourist and travel industry with operations spanning over 40 different countries, was one of the first hit when COVID-19 arrived in Europe.
With our revenues being decimated overnight we went from a business with a turnover of tens of millions having no borrowings, to a business requiring immediate financial stimulus in order to navigate these unprecedented times.
“The services of Independent Banking Consultants and those especially of Russell Snowdon were recommended to us. Russell meticulously guided us through the complexities of raising money in what has possibly been the most challenging of circumstances. Russell remained steadfast in his support and conviction in helping us and his hard work and due diligence paid off with us receiving a multi-million pound facility that secured the company’s future.
We cannot thank Russell and his team enough for their support and trust in our business.
Founder, GM.
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“Initially we were referred to IBC for what we thought was a straightforward business mortgage following less than satisfactory discussions with our then bank. Russell took a step back and applied some astute out-of-the-box thinking to our situation and in doing so recommended a very different solution, saving us a significant amount of money. As part of the process IBC secured us a much better deal with a new bank, and with their recommended Foreign Exchange partner. IBC were incredibly supportive throughout and I cannot recommend them enough”.
A.H. Director, Optical Retailing Business
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“IBC invest the time to fully understand your business and its financing requirements, which coupled with their excellent banking relationships and understanding of the process means they take away the stress and resource drain to your business of doing this yourself. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them as an advisor for securing your finance requirements.”
M.N. Director, Property Investment Management Company
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“It was clear that IBC cared not only about the deal, but about us as individuals. This was amazingly helpful as we progressed through reversals and hurdles that would otherwise have pushed our stress to unacceptable levels. Professional at all times IBC often went more than the extra mile and was the catalyst that made this deal happen.”
J.G. Managing Director, (Fire detection systems)
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“IBC are good to have on your side. They understand banking and lending and helped us to get what we wanted. They do it in a professional way and the new banks were delighted to be talking to us. They got us a fantastic result and I would recommend them to any other business looking for finance.”
M.D. Managing Director. Fashion design, manufacture and wholesaling
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“With their expert help and guidance, we managed to secure a finance package that was tailor made to our requirements. Their approach was professional and thorough; giving us options at all the key stages of the transaction.
P.E. Managing Director. Rubber and plastic components supplier
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“I am indebted to IBC for making the appointment of a new bank simple, straightforward and to my entire satisfaction. They obtained interest rate reductions on my loan and overdraft, and significantly reduced the security and personal guarantees held by our previous bank.”
R.W. Managing Director. Import / Export Company
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“We were referred to IBC by another of their satisfied clients and were particularly impressed with the way hurdles were overcome before meeting the lenders, and how the lenders were briefed upon every aspect of our business.”
M.O. Finance Director. Printing company
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“IBC brought a new perspective to the business plan. They encouraged us to answer the questions we had been avoiding and focussed us on areas of the plan that required greater attention. Ultimately, we successfully raised the finance for which we had previously been turned down.”
T.H. Owner, Leisure business
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“Where IBC played such a crucial role was as an ‘enabler’, to ensure that the proposal was presented in the right way under the noses of the right people at the banks.”
D.O. Managing Director, Recycling company
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“We used the services of Ian Priest from Independent Banking Consultants to help us fund an additional factory unit to accommodate our growth. Having found an ideal site, we were dismayed at the short sighted and blinkered reaction of our existing bankers. However, Ian reviewed the position and very quickly came up with an alternate way of structuring the businesses finances that not only got us where we needed to be but also generated huge savings in the cost of our existing facilities. We know that through Ian’s efforts we have got the best possible deal in the marketplace, but the time we have had to dedicate to dealing with lenders has been minimal. For the first time it felt we were being offered something on our terms and not the banks. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ian.”
Kevin Ward, Director, Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd
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“Independent Banking Consultants were utterly professional and efficient in helping my business make the best financial choices. They were the ultimate problem solvers and negotiated the best financial package tailored for our business. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
Vijay Thanwani, Managing Director, Gold-In UK Ltd
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“If you need help to raise capital like many do then Russell and the team are a very good place to start. You cannot always do it all yourself and to use the plumbing analogy ‘knowing where to hit the pipe’ may cost a bit but save you a lot of time and heartache.”
G.W. Managing Director, I.T. Specialists
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“Your assistance in finding the right finance deal and helping us through this process was invaluable.”
Director, Building Supplies Company
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“You’ve done an outstanding job getting the bank to do this deal. Many, many thanks for all your efforts and be assured that I will tell as many people as I can as loudly as I can that you’re unique and highly professional approach is the reason this all came together.”
Proprietor, Hospitality Business
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“Now we can get on with farming instead of spending all day and all night worrying about the bank.”
J.N. Partner
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“Suffice to say I don’t think you could have been any more helpful. You saved me a huge amount of time and brought a swathe of knowledge and contacts I could never hope to accrue. I would recommend Ian and IBC without reservation.”
Business Owner, Veterinary Practice
“I feel better informed and have a better understanding about what our bank is looking for when IBC review our business. It is almost like a translation service so I can confidently present the right information in the right way and so avoid any possible misunderstandings.”
Justine Verwey, FD, Xtreme Graphics Ltd
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“Crucially, IBC works for you, the client – not the lender – but they see your business as a banker sees it, which can be quite alien to business people. If you are dealing with a bank, you will benefit from the insight and experience they bring. It can make all the difference.”
Alex Moody, CEO, Executive Interviews Ltd
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“When running a business, it is a great help to have the back up of independent advice and guidance when making key decisions. IBC have given us knowledgeable, impartial advice on a wide range of topics, to help us make the right choices.”
P.E. Managing Director. Rubber and plastic components supplier
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“We have worked with IBC for two years; they have proven invaluable in securing us new banking relationships, identifying what we needed, then keeping us on track to deliver what the bank needed to make swift decisions. They have always provided sound advice to us and been highly professional as well as personable in dealings with our financiers and us. I would have no hesitation in recommending IBC to anyone seeking to gain the most from their relationships with banks and funders.”
G.L. Director. Professional Services Company
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“Put quite simply, we could not have got to where we are today without the first class guidance from you.”
D.O. Managing Director. Recycling company
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“At the height of the Global Downturn we were fighting with our bank to maintain our overdraft facility. With IBC’s help we were able to keep the facility on its existing terms. We have remained with IBC since then and they have given us valuable insight and tips on how the banks think and work. At our regular meetings, IBC encourage us to concentrate on the positive and what we have achieved whereas, as a business owner is easy to ignore this and get bogged down with negativity. They are a good sounding board for ideas and often throw up snippets of information. They have helped us to source different services including currency services – previously we did this through the bank who gave a poor exchange rate and charged an astronomical fee.”
Janine Smith, Envirotect Ltd
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“We have been a client of IBC since 2016 when they proposed an innovative solution to our financing requirements and assisted us in finding an organisation willing to supply it. This has been followed up with ongoing review and valuable support. Many thanks to Russell and the team for the excellent service provided.”
Director, Optical Retailing business
“We were delighted with the help that IBC provided at a very stressful time for us, which provided the results we needed and saved us from lots of work which may not have been as fruitful as their endeavours.”
F.D. FTSE listed healthcare business
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“IBC’s straightforward professionalism was reassuring from our first meeting with them. From then onwards, sound advice backed up by hard work, diligence and attention to detail has meant that they have become an integral part of our trusted team of advisers.”
R.D. Director, Property Company
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“IBC are worth their weight in gold, providing a range of financial and consulting services to us over many years: arranging our invoice finance when we needed it; latterly, acting as general advisors to the CEO. I liked having the flexibility to vary what IBC did for us to suit our changing requirements: as we have evolved, so did their services to us.”
Alex Moody, CEO, Executive Interviews Ltd
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“It was comforting to have the team from IBC in our corner. They were able to bring negotiators to the table that we would not have been able to reach or attract on our own.”
Supplier of audio-visual products and services
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“Do feel free to pass on my details to any prospective client in the future: I can assure you that my recommendation will be as unqualified as the thoroughly professional service and support you have provided.”
D.O. Managing Director, Recycling company
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“The Consultancy and business advice provided by Independent Banking Consultants was invaluable to us when applying for a SME business growth grant. He helped with our business plan to enable the application to be accepted, approved and granted very quickly.”
David Carr, Director, Bewdley Brewery
“As a firm of accountants, we are often asked by clients for help with arranging finance for their businesses. Having used IBC ourselves for our own financing, we now have no hesitation in recommending IBC as the first port of call for our clients. They have helped a number of them to find good competitive sources of funding in a well-structured and cost-effective manner.”
S. Wilson, Upton Wilson Accountants
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“The savings to be made during the term of the bank loan, against the significantly higher costs associated with venture capital, are immense.”
Accountant
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“IBC rapidly gained the confidence and trust of the directors, quickly diagnosed the critical financial issues and successfully re-banked the business on much more favourable terms, delighting the client.”
Business Advisor
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“IBC are hard working, thorough and credible professionals who deliver excellent standards of personal service focused on adding value to their clients. In essence a safe pair of hands able to bring innovative solutions to a range of business finance and operational issues through a mix of their own expertise and the use of an extensive network of professional contacts.”
Finance Consultant
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“A safe pair of hands who bring innovative solutions to a range of finance and operational issues through a mix of their own expertise and the use of an extensive network of professional contacts.”
Independent Financial Advisor
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“IBC assisted a complex business start up, quickly grasped technical issues enabling the business plan to be made more lender friendly, leading to the negotiation of a substantial asset finance deal to get the business up and running.”
Business Advisor
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“IBC are experienced, thorough, professional and completely dedicated to find the right solutions for their clients. We have worked with IBC in respect of some complex and demanding funding requirements and they were able to progress these matters efficiently & promptly. We have found their friendly customer-oriented service a refreshing change and we would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Joe Soul, EMW Law LLP
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“The quality of the report and the information provided by Independent Banking Consultants made my job easier in submitting the application to credit which is a great help. They were easy to reach and we were able to hold open and honest discussions about the client and his needs.”
Relationship Director, Lloyds Commercial Banking
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“We have known of IBC for some time and when our client appointed them to help with the CIBL’s application we knew we could trust them. The client was a complex business with many vested stakeholders who’s own futures depended on them being successful with the CIBL. A challenging deal in terms of quantum and risk appetite, IBC quickly got to understand the operating model, the risks and was able to articulate to the client where the focus needed to be in order to mitigate concerns the bank had. The communication between all parties was first class and it felt as though we were all working for the same team and to get the absolute right result for our mutual client. The end report was absolutely the fundamental reason we were able to get approval for the loan and the value of having such support cannot be overstated.”
N.B. Area Director, HSBC
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“IBC are very professional, easy to work with and provide all the information to allow and to make it easier for decisions to be made on lending proposals for Charity Business clients. I would have no hesitation in recommending them and look forward to working with them again.”
J.H. Specialist lender
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“IBC are experienced banking consultants who take a practical approach and give me clear and accurate information upon which to base lending decisions. They add real value to their clients.”
S.D. Deputy Area Director, HSBC Corporate Banking
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“Thank you for a very comprehensive report on JDR. Best I have seen for a long time. Makes our assessment much easier.”
G.D. Corporate Manager, Handelsbanken
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“Our Credit team were impressed with the depth of the supporting paperwork with this proposal and we would be delighted to hear from you in respect of other proposals. Indeed, we would reduce the arrangement fee to zero for similar introductions.”
G.W. Regional Manager, Metro Bank
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“I have worked with IBC for over 10 years. They are a rare breed and have a superb eye for a lending proposal. I have complete confidence in their ability to tackle the issues, which are always well researched and presented, and am delighted to reduce our lending fees in recognition of the time saved and the value they add to the decision-making process. Post lending, they also act as ‘non execs’ to support the management too, which brings confidence to Bank and business owner combined.”
T.S. Relationship Director, HSBC
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“I feel that you conduct business in the right way, in that lenders are fully aware that no preference is given to any one lender and that ultimately your priority is the interests of your client and securing the very best deal for them. Thus, you are known for dealing fairly and transparently at all times.”
S.G. Relationship Director, Lloyds Commercial Banking
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“They provide highly professional planning support for corporate clients. Their well researched and presented Banking propositions allow me to make quick and well-informed decisions.”
P.S. Relationship Director, Barclays Commercial Banking
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“We were impressed by your write up and the detailed information provided. If only every introducer could provide the same level of information our jobs would be eminently easier.”
Senior Manager, Bank Leumi
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I think you put many of your fellow brokers/introducers to shame with the level of work you put into deals.
Senior Manager, Arbuthnot Latham
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“I was very impressed with the professionalism of IBC and how you go about your business – you appear to be head and shoulders above other consultants I know.”
Senior Manager, Bank of Ireland
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“IBC provide a comprehensive outline of the proposal on day one. With lots of enquiries I get these are no more than a phone number and a contact name. With IBC I know that I will get a comprehensive report which I can then determine whether its something that we would like to get involved with. I wish all of the introducers I work with were as thorough as you!”
Regional Sales Director, Close Invoice Finance
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“IBC contacted me to provide a solution for their client. IBC were great to deal with and the case came over fully packaged and we were able to give a quick decision. It was evident that the client’s interests were always uppermost in their minds, and the result was that we provided a bespoke product which allowed the client to draw funds when required. We very much look forward to working with IBC again!”
Simon Michael, BDM, Alternative Bridging Corporation
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“The initial groundwork and due diligence performed by you is second to none and demonstrates a real understanding of your clients businesses, and what the bank will want a better understanding of and comfort on. In a nutshell you speak our language and have good technical knowledge of banking where your background, in my view, sees you uniquely placed against most other introducers in the market today.”
Lending manager, Lloyds Bank
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“IBC provided me with a comprehensive and focussed report, which given their own banking background, addressed all the critical points and metric calculations needed for me to put together a Credit Paper that was approved. IBC acted as liaison between myself and the client, providing guidance and support when required during our Due Diligence process, securing the loan for the clients within their desired timeframe.
We look forward to working with the team at IBC to help more local businesses secure the growth funding they need to fuel their expansion plans.”
GH Investment Manager, Maven Capital Partners