{"id":2220,"date":"2026-02-03T19:40:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T19:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/?p=2220"},"modified":"2026-03-03T17:58:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T17:58:40","slug":"supplier-of-the-month-mulalley-listening-first-and-co-creating-with-the-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/supplier-of-the-month-mulalley-listening-first-and-co-creating-with-the-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Supplier of the month: Mulalley \u2013 Listening first and co-creating with the community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"2255\" src=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055-1568x1176.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260205-WA0055.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2256\" src=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260202-WA0001-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260202-WA0001-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260202-WA0001-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260202-WA0001-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG-20260202-WA0001.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">New PAT tester, along with two online training courses for Hackney Night Shelter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Founded in 1972<\/strong> by the O&#8217;Malley family, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mulalley.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mulalley<\/a> is a private, family-owned construction company based in Woodford Green, Essex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialising in new housing, social and education projects, major refurbishment, estate regeneration and maintenance across <strong>London and the South East<\/strong>, the company delivers a turnover in excess of <strong>\u00a3150 million per annum<\/strong> and over <strong>400 staff<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a long-standing commitment to investing in the communities they work in, from <strong>local employment initiatives<\/strong> to <strong>training and apprenticeship schemes<\/strong>, Social Value at the heart of what they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>We sat down with <strong>Christina<\/strong> <strong>Byrne<\/strong>, Head of Social Value, at Mulalley to find out how <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/matchmyproject.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Match My Project<\/a><\/strong> has helped them make a real difference \u2014 and what other suppliers and community organisations can learn from their experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Match My Project?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We started using Match My Project because it helps Mulalley connect with the right partners and opportunities that align with our Social Value offering,&#8221; Christina explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It makes the process more efficient and ensures projects deliver meaningful impact, based on the request from community organisations.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<blockquote style=\"padding: 1em; background-color: #e6f0fa; border-left: 4px solid #80b3ff; margin: 1.5em 0;\">\n <p style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; line-height: 1.4;\">Honestly, <strong>Match My Project<\/strong> is a brilliant platform \u2014 I&#8217;d recommend it to anyone who wants to <strong>create real impact<\/strong>.<\/p>\n  <p>\u2014 Christina Byrne, Head of Social Value, <em>Mulalley<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A smarter way to do more<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform has made a real difference to how Mulalley operates day to day. &#8220;Before, it was time-consuming and often hit-or-miss,&#8221; Christina says. &#8220;Now, we can match opportunities in minutes instead of days, which has saved us a lot of time and effort.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But for Christina, the biggest gains have come from the relationships it&#8217;s helped build:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s helped us build stronger partnerships and deliver projects that create real social impact in the communities we serve,&#8221; she adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She&#8217;s also proud to represent Mulalley in the <strong>Match My Project Supplier User Group<\/strong>, which has given her insight into how the platform works and the chance to suggest improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Honestly, it&#8217;s a brilliant platform \u2014 I&#8217;d recommend it to anyone who wants to create real impact.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote style=\"padding: 1em; background-color: #e6f0fa; border-left: 4px solid #80b3ff; margin: 1.5em 0;\">\n <p style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; line-height: 1.4;\">One big lesson we\u2019ve learned is the importance of <strong>listening first<\/strong> and <strong>co-creating solutions<\/strong> rather than assuming what\u2019s needed. That\u2019s changed how we approach Social Value delivery, we now focus on collaboration and flexibility, making sure projects are <strong>shaped by the communities<\/strong> themselves.<\/p>\n  <p>\u2014 Christina Byrne, <em>Mulalley<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2236\" src=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave-576x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave-576x1024.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave-169x300.jpeg 169w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave-768x1365.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Skills-Within-Food-Truck-and-Microwave.jpeg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Microwave and airfryer donated to Skills Within Food Truck&nbsp;(Peabody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"2235\" src=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Peabody-Refuse-wheelie-bin-donation-3-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Peabody-Refuse-wheelie-bin-donation-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Peabody-Refuse-wheelie-bin-donation-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Peabody-Refuse-wheelie-bin-donation-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Peabody-Refuse-wheelie-bin-donation-3.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">20 large wheelie bins donated (Peabody)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"587\" height=\"783\" data-id=\"2232\" src=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MMP-Miindfulness-Ipad-donation-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MMP-Miindfulness-Ipad-donation-2025.jpg 587w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/MMP-Miindfulness-Ipad-donation-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ipads donated for Miindfulness CIC (A2 Dominion)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Listening First, Co-Creating Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working directly with community organisations through the platform has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience for Christina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;They bring local knowledge and lived experience that we simply can&#8217;t replicate internally,&#8221; she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also changed how Mulalley thinks about Social Value: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;One big lesson we&#8217;ve learned is the importance of listening first and co-creating solutions rather than assuming what&#8217;s needed,&#8221; Christina explains. &#8220;We now focus on collaboration and flexibility, making sure projects are shaped by the communities themselves.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great example of this is Mulalley&#8217;s recent work with <strong>Bromley &amp; Croydon Women&#8217;s Aid<\/strong>. After the charity submitted a request and discussed their needs in detail with the team, Mulalley made the decision to <strong>triple their original donation<\/strong> to ensure a bigger impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;MMP helps us make our work more relevant, impactful and sustainable,&#8221; Christina says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Home-Start-Greenwich-3-1568x1176.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Donation&nbsp;to Home Start Greenwich (Royal Borough of Greenwich)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tips from the top<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since joining Match My Project in 2024, Mulalley have registered with nine of out of a growing list of authorities we are partnering with \u2014 including A2Dominion, Croydon Council, Peabody and Royal Borough of Greenwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;ve already supported 16 projects across 12 organisations, with 3 more projects in the pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what&#8217;s the secret? Christina&#8217;s advice for suppliers is simple: &#8220;Be proactive! Don&#8217;t just wait for requests \u2014 actively look for ways to add value. Build strong relationships with community partners, listen to their needs and go above and beyond when you can.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not about ticking boxes or numbers,&#8221; she adds. &#8220;It&#8217;s about creating real impact. That&#8217;s how you climb the leaderboard and make a difference.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#d2fff0\"><strong>Are you a business looking for a more efficient way to make an impact in your community?<\/strong> It takes just <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/matchmyproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2 minutes<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/matchmyproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> to sign up<\/a>. Find your local authority at <strong>matchmyproject.org<\/strong> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1005\" src=\"http:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Greenwich-Sparkle-in-the-Park-Dec-2025-1-1024x1005.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Greenwich-Sparkle-in-the-Park-Dec-2025-1-1024x1005.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Greenwich-Sparkle-in-the-Park-Dec-2025-1-300x294.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Greenwich-Sparkle-in-the-Park-Dec-2025-1-768x754.jpg 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Greenwich-Sparkle-in-the-Park-Dec-2025-1.jpg 1173w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Donation to Sparkle in the Park (Royal Borough of Greenwich)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A word for community organisations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Christina has some invaluable advice for community organisations looking to get noticed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Be clear and compelling about the impact your project will have,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Businesses like us want to understand the difference our support will make, so share real stories, outcomes and the community benefit. Keep your requests specific and realistic \u2014 what do you need and why?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Engagement is key, too. &#8220;Update your profile, respond quickly and build relationships. The more transparent and collaborative you are, the more likely businesses will notice and want to get involved.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don&#8217;t think it has to be all about funding. &#8220;If direct financial support isn&#8217;t needed, think creatively about other resources that could help,&#8221; Christina suggests. &#8220;We can often provide time, materials, expertise, or connections to make your project a success. By being flexible and open to alternative solutions, you can still achieve great outcomes.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e5e5ff\">Need support \u2013 on a particular project or with core delivery? It takes <strong>less than <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/matchmyproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>15 minutes<\/strong> to sign up and post a request<\/a>. Find your local authority at <strong>matchmyproject.org<\/strong> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Match My Project is proud to spotlight Mulalley as February&#8217;s Supplier of the Month. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Read more<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2025\/12\/04\/supplier-of-the-month-novus-property-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Supplier of the month: Novus Property Solutions \u2014 building community, maintaining trust<\/strong><\/a>, <em>December 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2025\/11\/05\/supplier-of-the-month-mcconnell-building-with-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Supplier of the month: McConnell \u2014 building with care<\/strong><\/a>, <em>November 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/08\/supplier-of-the-month-greenmount-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Supplier of the month: How Greenmount Projects make community part of their business<\/strong><\/a>, <em>October 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Founded in 1972 by the O&#8217;Malley family, Mulalley is a private, family-owned construction company based in Woodford Green, Essex. Specialising in new housing, social and education projects, major refurbishment, estate regeneration and maintenance across London and the South East, the company delivers a turnover in excess of \u00a3150 million per annum and over 400 staff. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6,43,22],"tags":[14,9,8],"class_list":["post-2220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","category-local-impact","category-supplier-of-the-month","category-testimonial","tag-csr","tag-local-community","tag-social-value","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2220"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2220"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2261,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2220\/revisions\/2261"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}