How the ‘15-minute economy’ boosts business

BILLIONAIRE entrepreneur Mark Dixon has had eight businesses – from hamburger vans to global property group IWG.

But he says budding entrepreneurs of today could do worse than take note of the mooted ‘15-minute economy’.

Based on the urban planning ideas of Professor Carlos Moreno at the Sorbonne in Paris, the thinking became pivotal in the Paris mayoral elections over summer.

The theory is that environmental concerns, now driven by Covid, mean commutes and travelling will be slashed.

Daily needs – such as work, home, shops, education and health care – will be within 15 minutes of where you live.

‘That’s the tip for the budding entrepreneur – just look it up,’ he urges.

‘Even the food production needs to be more local,’ he suggests.

‘I feel there’s a big opportunity in agriculture as well. You know, why are we getting tomatoes from Southern Spain when you can get them from Jersey?’

Dixon, who owns vineyards in France and Kent, warns ‘agriculture and profit don’t mix’.

But he adds: ‘I’m a big believer in English bubbly but we don’t just do wine. It’s chickens, geese, sheep and cattle. It’s a very longterm business. Organic, very old- fashioned.

‘Maybe in ten years’ time you’ll be drinking a little less prosecco and champagne and more wine from England.’

He conjures up ‘two or three’ new business ideas on productive days ever since he began delivering sandwiches on an ‘oldfashioned bike with a basket on the front’. ‘I’ve always been looking for what’s missing, not for what’s there. It’s always been about convenience – trying to spot the gaps.’

Other than that? ‘I just try to lead a busy life and sleep well.’