Micro Fresh®: A Breath of Innovation from Leicester to the World!

How it began?

Byron Dixon was working as a chemist when he saw an opportunity to create a new type of antimicrobial technology. He had developed a safe leather treatment that prevented the growth of mould, and he wondered if the same technology could be used to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Byron tested his idea on a pair of his football socks. He applied the treatment to one sock and left the other untreated. After a game of football, the untreated sock was smelly and sweaty, but the treated sock was fresh and odour-free.

Micro-Fresh® was born! A natural antimicrobial technology that prevents the growth of bacteria and odor-causing microbes. He founded Micro-Fresh Ltd. in 2010 to market and sell the technology.

Micro-Fresh® quickly gained traction in the footwear industry. The major retailer Next saw the potential and became the first to incorporate Micro-Fresh® technology into its footwear. This gave Micro-Fresh® a first-mover advantage in the market, and it helped the company to grow rapidly.

Micro-Fresh® was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program in 2013. This provided the company with access to capital and business mentorship, which helped Micro-Fresh® to continue its growth.

In 2014, Micro-Fresh® signed its first major deal with John Lewis, a leading British department store. This deal allowed Micro-Fresh® to integrate its technology into John Lewis bedding products. Micro-Fresh's technology has since been incorporated into a wide range of products, including nursery products, bathmats, and sportswear.

Byron Dixon was awarded an OBE in 2018 for his work in industry and innovation. This recognition helped to raise the profile of Microfresh and its technology.

Micro-Fresh® partnered with adidas in 2021 to provide antimicrobial protection for adidas golf tops. This partnership marked a major milestone for Micro-Fresh®, as it demonstrated the company's ability to provide its technology to global brands.

Micro-Fresh® Today

Today, Micro-Fresh® is a leading provider of antimicrobial technology. The company's products are used in a wide range of industries, including footwear, textiles, healthcare, and hospitality. The company has a strong commitment to providing its customers with safe, effective, and sustainable antimicrobial solutions and has become an important part of the Leicester economy, employing over 100 people in the city, and the company's growth has helped to boost the local economy.

In addition to its economic impact, Micro-Fresh® also plays a role in raising the profile of Leicester as a city of innovation. The company's technology has been recognised by several awards, including the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and the Signature Awards. This recognition has helped to attract investment to Leicester and to create jobs.

The state-of-the-art offices at Dock reflect the company's dedication to creating a vibrant and collaborative work environment. It's not just a workspace; it's a hub of creativity and innovation.

Micro-Fresh® is not just a local success story—it's a global game-changer. Their work is transforming the industry, and it's fantastic to see Leicester at the forefront of this revolution.