The Small Business Charter (SBC) has appointed entrepreneur Byron Dixon OBE, founder and chief executive of freshness-technology firm Micro-Fresh, as its new chair.
Dixon takes over from outgoing chair Michael Hayman MBE, marking a key leadership shift as the organisation celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Dixon is best known for establishing Micro-Fresh, a multi-award-winning business that develops odour-control and antimicrobial solutions for textiles, healthcare, construction, food and beverages, packaging, and the automotive industry. Operating both in the UK and overseas, Micro-Fresh stands as a testament to Dixon’s belief in supporting small enterprises, particularly when it comes to harnessing expertise and research from universities and business schools.
He has long championed the role of higher education in driving entrepreneurial growth and innovation, especially for startups and smaller firms. In his new position, Dixon will guide SBC’s mission of empowering UK economic growth through business schools that excel in supporting small businesses, student-led enterprises, and local communities.
On his appointment, Dixon commented: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the Small Business Charter Management Board. Small businesses are a vital part of the UK economy, and business schools play a critical role in their development. As an entrepreneur, I have personally experienced the expertise and support that these schools provide, which have been invaluable in helping me to grow my business. I look forward to working with the team and network of accredited schools to strengthen the impact they have on small businesses in every part of the economy.”
Flora Hamilton, executive director of the Small Business Charter, said: “We are delighted to welcome Byron. His extensive experience as a successful entrepreneur and passion for the role of business schools in supporting small businesses make him perfectly suited to lead the SBC at this pivotal time. His leadership will build on our mission to connect business schools with small businesses to foster growth, innovation, and productivity.”