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

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.