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ALTERNATIVE FINANCE PROVIDER PLATFORM BLACK STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 21, 2014

2 min read
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Former Bibby boss takes the helm as Platform Black builds on explosive growth Invoice trading platform has advanced £80m to British business in just two years New MD Caroline Langron unveils “ambitious programme” for sustained growth

Platform Black Appoints New Managing Director

The alternative finance provider Platform Black has appointed Caroline Langron as its new Managing Director.

Invoice Trading Platform's Rapid Growth

The platform, which allows businesses to auction their outstanding invoices online to raise funds, has advanced more than £80 million to British SMEs since its launch in 2012.

Caroline Langron's Extensive Industry Experience

Ms Langron, who was a Managing Director at Bibby Financial Services for 10 years and has three decades of experience in invoice finance, has been brought in to lead the consolidation of Platform Black’s extraordinary early growth.

Leadership Vision and Comments

Caroline Langron, Managing Director of Platform Black, comments:

“Platform Black’s invoice trading model has made it hugely popular both with businesses seeking flexible finance and investors seeking strong returns.

“The business has evolved from a technology-led alternative finance platform to become a significant source of working capital for British businesses. In its first month of operation in 2012 it advanced just £65,000 – it now provides several million a month.

“Platform Black’s talented team and I are committed to continuing that success, and we’ll be implementing an ambitious programme to ensure that growth is consolidated and sustained. By working in tandem with the high street banks and the British Business Bank, Platform Black is steadily moving from being an ‘alternative’ finance provider to become a major player in the mainstream finance community.”

Leadership Changes and Founders' Roles

Ms Langron takes the Platform Black reins from Colin Levins, who has stepped down as CEO but remains a shareholder in the company. His co-founder Louise Beaumont has also taken a step back, to join GLI Finance – the AIM-listed finance provider that is a major shareholder in Platform Black. Platform Black’s Chairman remains David Robertson.

Key Takeaways

  • Platform Black has appointed Caroline Langron—former Bibby Financial Services MD—as its new Managing Director to consolidate growth.
  • Since its 2012 launch, Platform Black has advanced over £80 million to UK SMEs via its invoice auction platform.
  • The platform grew from advancing £65,000 in its first month to several million pounds monthly.
  • Colin Levins and co‑founder Louise Beaumont step back, with Beaumont moving to GLI Finance; David Robertson remains Chairman.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Platform Black’s business model?
It’s an online invoice‑trading platform where SMEs auction invoices to funders, enabling quick access to working capital.
How much funding has Platform Black advanced?
Since launching in 2012, it has advanced over £80 million to British SMEs, growing from £65,000 in its first month to several million per month.
Who is Caroline Langron?
She is the new Managing Director of Platform Black, former MD at Bibby Financial Services, with three decades in invoice finance.
What leadership changes occurred?
Colin Levins stepped down as CEO but remains a shareholder; co‑founder Louise Beaumont moved to GLI Finance; David Robertson remains as Chairman.

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