www.iva.co.uk

How long after receiving my completion certificate will I be able to approach mainstream lenders for a loan? Will I forever be blacklisted on bank records?

Once all cleared from your records (6yrs from start date) you can approach mainstream lenders although you may experience some resistance as many banks retain their records for longer.

Also is it worth in that case staying away from former creditors and companies with in their group in the short term and trying a completely new lender I've never had history of any kind with?

Absolutely. I've secured some mainstream credit since my IVA finished, but with lenders who were not connected to any of my previous creditors. Make sure you also check which lenders are parts of the same group as so many are owned or part-owned by each other!