Mike Jepson, the Managing Director and co-founder of MTP Innovations, has been in the world of healthcare and infection control for over 30 years. Starting with 16 years of experience at Rentokil-Initial, including a nine-year tenure as Managing Director of its healthcare division, Mike has brought a wealth of knowledge, experience and a deep understanding of healthcare challenges to MTP Innovations, the producer of DiffX™.
From industrial economics to healthcare innovation
Mike’s journey began with a degree in Industrial Economics, which laid a solid foundation for his business insight and strategic thinking. His extensive career at Rentokil-Initial equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the NHS and the Department of Health, providing him with a unique understanding into the healthcare industry’s intricacies and challenges.
“I have always been interested in driving innovation and adding value,” Mike says. “I’m passionate about continual improvement; always focused on ‘better’ – better products, better results, and better services.”
A vision for better healthcare solutions
The inception of DiffX™ is a testament to Mike’s innovative spirit and determination to solve real-world problems: “Before DiffX™ when hospitals suffer an outbreak, staff had to clean with detergent and then chlorine – a two-stage clean. It’s not productive and staff didn’t like breathing it in,” Mike recalls. “I’m a people person who likes finding solutions so I asked myself, ‘Couldn’t we just invent something better than chlorine?’”.
This question sparked a two-year journey of experimentation and collaboration. Working closely with Peter, our chemist and Professor Paul Humphreys at the University of Huddersfield, Mike and his team developed a breakthrough solution. DiffX™, outperformed traditional chlorine-based products in independent analyses, particularly in combating C. diff, one of the most challenging pathogens to eliminate.
“The hardest thing to kill is C. diff, so we were incredibly excited when we realised we had developed the right formula to eliminate it. It was a huge breakthrough moment,” Mike says.
Milestones and achievements
The journey to success has been marked by several key milestones. The first hospital trial at a major teaching hospital in central London, later became DiffX™’s first customer and remains so today, which is a significant validation of the product’s effectiveness.
Another major breakthrough was finding the perfect PVA film sachet for DiffX™, which dissolves in warm water, ensuring that users do not come into physical contact with the substance.
“We’ve had a few eureka moments and milestones, and we have a lot to be proud of,” Mike reflects. “DiffX™ is now recognised as an effective and trusted alternative to chlorine.”
Looking ahead
His belief in DiffX™ is unwavering. “The challenge of controlling and eliminating hospital acquired infections is a daily issue for the NHS and private healthcare providers. Having developed a product that has proven to assist in reducing risks, we are keen to ensure that infection control teams across the UK are aware of the benefits and have access to a free trial.”
Mike’s vision for his company MTP Innovations is ambitious and forward-thinking. “I’m never resting on my laurels and have plans to grow the company through expanding into Europe and the USA. I’m also keen to scale-up so that we can reach different sectors – I’d love other industries to benefit from DiffX™ such as veterinary practices, retail, and manufacturing facilities,” he explains.
Beyond the business
Outside of his professional life, Mike is a passionate outdoorsman. He loves walking in the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District, particularly Saddleworth Moors, and enjoys combining this with his love of travel on walking holidays. Recently, he bought an acre of land at the rear of his garden and were fortunate to work with River Holme Connectionsto arrange the planting of 320 native trees, demonstrating his commitment to environmental stewardship.
Mike Jepson’s story is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative thinking, and a genuine passion for making a difference in the world of healthcare. His leadership at MTP Innovations continues to drive the company towards new heights, ensuring that DiffX™ remains a trusted ally in the fight against infection.
