More than 260 volunteer hours and over £17,000 invested in community-led projects across two local authorities.
AD Construction Group has spent more than 80 years refurbishing homes and public buildings across London, the South East and the Home Counties. Through long-term partnerships with housing providers, the company delivers planned maintenance, fire safety and energy efficiency programmes in communities where people live every day.
Since joining Match My Project through Hyde Housing, AD Construction Group has supported ten community organisations across two authorities, completing thirteen projects that represent more than 260 volunteer hours and over £17,000 of Social Value contributions.
For the AD Construction Group, what matters is what happens after the work is finished.
“Social Value isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about doing what we said we’d do, looking for opportunities to do a little more where we can, and leaving the communities we work in better off than when we arrived.”
We spoke to Davina Skinner, a Strategic Development Manager at AD Construction Group about the projects that have stayed with her, and why lasting partnerships are built through practical support rather than one-off gestures.
One garden led to another
One of AD’s earliest Match My Project partnerships began at Arundel House in Guildford, where A2Dominion supports young families preparing for independent living.
The shared garden had fallen into disrepair. Fences and planters needed attention, while the children’s sandpit was no longer safe to use. Families had stopped spending time outside, turning what should have been a shared community space into somewhere people simply walked past.
A2Dominion’s Social Purpose Team understood what residents were asking for and posted a request through Match My Project.
AD Construction Group responded.
The garden was restored, but the lasting outcome was trust.
When another opportunity emerged at Winchester Apartments, A2Dominion didn’t need convincing that AD Construction Group would deliver.
“The success of that project, combined with the positive feedback from residents and scheme management, helped establish a strong relationship with the team. As a result, we were approached directly to support Winchester Apartments.”
That second project supported adults with learning and mobility difficulties.
AD Construction Group cleared and restored the gardens, repaired the summer house, improved accessibility and built new herb and tomato planters that residents could enjoy together.
The investment included around £2,350 in materials and 84 volunteer hours.
For Davina Skinner, though, those numbers weren’t the measure of success.
“For the team, the most rewarding part was seeing the space brought back into use by residents.”
The £350 project everyone remembers
Among the many projects AD Construction Group has supported, one continues to stand out.
Mahaba Café in West Ealing helps young people with special educational needs, learning disabilities and autism prepare for employment through hospitality training.
As students prepared to graduate into work, further education and training, AD Construction Group wanted to contribute something genuinely useful.
Rather than providing a standard donation, the team created graduation packs containing diaries, stationery, professional folders and practical resources students could use in their next chapter.
“Chloe presented the packs at the graduation ceremony and had the opportunity to celebrate each student’s achievements alongside them. The project itself was only a £350 donation, but it perfectly demonstrates how Social Value isn’t always about the amount of money spent. Sometimes it’s about understanding what would genuinely help each student take the next step.”
Relationships need someone to build them
Ask Davina what has made these partnerships successful, and one name comes up repeatedly.
Chloe Langford.
AD Construction Group created a dedicated Social Value Coordinator role because someone needed the time to build relationships with community organisations, understand their priorities and bring the right people together across the business.
“She joined us as our dedicated Social Value Coordinator and has become the heart of many of our community partnerships. She takes the time to understand what they’re trying to achieve before working closely with our Contract Managers, operational teams and supply chain to bring projects together.”
Chloe’s selfless behaviour shows up in the feedback AD Construction Group receives.
Community organisations remember the work, but they also remember how they were treated throughout the process.
“We want organisations to enjoy working with us, feel supported from beginning to end, and know that when AD makes a commitment, we’ll deliver on it.”
Opening doors for others
AD Construction Group’s contribution doesn’t stop with responding to opportunities.
The team also encourages community organisations that haven’t yet joined Match My Project to register and share their projects.
One community garden did exactly that after speaking with AD Construction Group.
Within weeks, it secured around £1,500 of support, followed by donations that helped provide food parcels for local families.
For Davina, this is another example of what successful Social Value looks like.
“It showed how the platform creates opportunities that continue well beyond a single project, connecting communities with businesses that want to make a positive contribution.”
Advice from AD Construction Group
Construction businesses shouldn’t underestimate what they can contribute to their communities. This is Davina’s message to others in the sector.
“Construction businesses have so much more to offer than financial donations. We have skilled people, practical expertise, materials and strong supply chains that can all make a real difference.”
Her advice to community organisations is equally practical.
“Not every company can provide funding, but they may be able to offer materials, volunteers, practical skills or professional expertise instead. The clearer the request, the easier it is for businesses to recognise where they can help.”
For AD Construction Group, the strongest Social Value comes from partnerships that keep creating opportunities for impact together. These relationships continue to grow because communities know they’ll find a partner that listens, responds and delivers.
Match My Project is proud to spotlight AD Construction Group as Supplier of the Month.
Are you a business looking for a more efficient way to make an impact in your community? It takes just 2 minutes to sign up. Find your local authority at matchmyproject.org to get started.
