Business Partners has announced the appointment of Jeremy Lang as its new MD, effective 1 January 2025.
Lang will be taking over from Ben Bierman, who will retire after more than 35 years of service.
Under Bierman’s leadership, Business Partners Limited navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully implemented the Sukuma Relief Fund disbursed more than R1 billion in alleviating the devasting implications of the Covid-19 lockdown on SMEs. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans was made available to thousands of formal small businesses and sole proprietors – protecting and saving over 32,500 jobs.
“In 2021, as part of a five-year strategic positioning the company re-affirmed its commitment to do more and care more and we progressed meaningfully in contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society by supporting an increasing number of previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs,” Bierman says.
“Business finance approved to women-owned businesses increased from 23,5% to 39,3% in the past financial year. A similar improvement in approvals to black-owned businesses of 63,1% of finance approved is evidence of an increased commitment to a more inclusive and equitable South African SME society.
“Looking back on the journey, I have always been inspired by the dedication, creativity and hard work of all the Business Partners colleagues. I will forever remain in awe of their commitment to serve and their entrepreneurial spirit. I have supreme confidence in Jeremy’s leadership and his commitment and passion to build and extend the Business Partners Limited contribution to SMEs in the future,” he adds.