Michael Dyson Associates Ltd has trained 67 people through Match My Project, more than any other supplier on the platform. The training has covered building safety, high-rise construction, HHSRS surveys, retrofit sustainability, CV writing, interview technique and energy-saving advice.

When we spoke to Laura Sprawson, Bid & Marketing Co-ordinator at Michael Dyson Associates, though, she explained why the company has chosen to share its expertise in the first place.

“Our people are our greatest asset. We invest in their development to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. It’s the same approach we take with our clients, offering training opportunities for their staff and local people.”

This idea runs through Michael Dyson Associates’ work on Match My Project. The consultancy has taken the expertise it uses in its own work and made it available to people and organisations who can put it to practical use.

A 40-year-old family firm, still asking what people need

Michael Dyson Associates was founded in 1980 and marked its 40th year in business in 2020. What began as a family-run practice has grown into a multi-disciplinary construction consultancy working across design, asset management and contract administration for housing providers around the UK.

“We were introduced to Match My Project through our partnership with Hyde Housing Association, who recognised the platform as an effective way to strengthen collaboration between businesses and community organisations.”

Laura Sprawson

Through this relationship, Michael Dyson Associates has supported three organisations and completed three projects. Its training and employment support have also contributed to five jobs and work placements for local people.

Why training matters

For a construction consultancy, financial donations are one option. Michael Dyson Associates has found another way to contribute – thus, sharing the knowledge and experience already held within the business.

Building safety and HHSRS training can help people better understand the condition and safety of their homes. Sessions on retrofit and sustainability give residents an opportunity to understand changes taking place in their homes and communities. The programme also includes CV writing, interview technique and energy-saving advice, giving participants practical skills they can use in work and everyday life.

“Training empowers individuals with knowledge and skills to improve their environments safely and sustainably,” Laura says. “Feedback and ongoing communication ensure our training stays relevant and impactful.”

The feedback is important to the way the programme develops. Michael Dyson Associates uses responses from participants to understand what has been useful and where future sessions could offer greater value.

A football table, school uniforms and knowing what is needed

The company’s Social Value work isn’t limited to professional expertise.

Michael Dyson Associates has donated a football table to a community centre, contributed towards school uniforms, supported food banks, provided IT equipment to charities and given time to volunteering and mentoring.

“Whether it is donating a football table to a community centre, contributing towards school uniforms for children, supporting food banks, or providing IT equipment to charities, we focus on initiatives that make a real difference. Our focus is always on responding to identified needs.”

Advice for other consultancies

For professional services firms wondering how they can turn their expertise into practical Social Value, Laura’s advice is to start by listening.

“Start by talking directly to clients, community groups, or use Match My Project to ask or find what each organisation needs, and consider how your unique skills, experience and expertise can meet those needs in practical ways. Be open to learning and adapt your offer rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Michael Dyson Associates reinvests 5% of its turnover into social responsibility activity, including apprenticeships, mentoring in schools and universities, volunteering and the training that has made it one of the leading provider of skills-based support on Match My Project.

Match My Project is proud to spotlight Michael Dyson Associates as our Supplier of the Month.

About Match My Project

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.