DiscoverJames Reed: all about business38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon, OBE
38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon, OBE

38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon, OBE

Update: 2025-07-28
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Five years. Zero sales. No paycheck. Most people would’ve given up. Byron Dixon didn’t. Instead, he turned his chemistry knowledge and desire for change into Micro-Fresh. A breakthrough technology now used globally to fight mold, bacteria, and bad smells in everything from school shoes to hospital bedding.

In this episode of All About Business, we meet Byron Dixon, scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Micro-Fresh. He shares how he went from a council estate in Leicester to living in Denmark and learning from the Scandinavian way of life, to building a global brand that’s protecting lives, championing sustainability, and changing how retailers think about product longevity.

Byron reveals the untold truth about bootstrapping a science business, the resilience it takes to go years without revenue, and how one unexpected call changed everything. He also shares how Micro-Fresh is tackling mold in homes, and why “Home-Fresh” might be his most important innovation yet.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled to stay motivated, or wondered if your idea could really make a difference, this episode is for you.

03:16    Why Did Byron Start MicroFresh?

07:27   MicroFresh's Sustainability, Waste Reduction

10:40   Designing A Non-Hazardous Environmentally Friendly Product

18:46    Starting Without Advantages

20:09 Open University

25:18    Determination & No Fear of Failure

26:25   The First Breakthrough

28:40 Domino Effect - Competition Doesn't Want To Be Left Out

31:00   Big Growth & Market Validation

36:51    How Does A CEO Prioritize and Achieve Goals?

39:59   Moving to the USA?

47:03 Why Young People Feel They Can't Do This

49:24 Switching Off The Phone

51:00   Boredom as a source of creativity

52:42   Putting the Phone and Social Media Away

54:54   Top 3 Things We Should Import From Scandinavia

59:41    Interview Round

Check out Microfresh’s website

Follow Microfresh on LinkedIn

Follow James Reed on LinkedIn

All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com

This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk 

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38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon, OBE

38. The chemistry of growth: turning a mould problem into a thriving business | Byron Dixon, OBE