One of the key aims of Source in Surrey is to create meaningful connections between local businesses that lead to tangible commercial opportunities, stronger supply chains and economic growth within Surrey. A recent partnership between Mullen and Matka demonstrates exactly how local introductions can create lasting value for both businesses.
The Challenge
Mullen is a property maintenance contractor delivering responsive repairs, planned maintenance and property compliance services, primarily across social housing and the public sector.
As the business continued to grow, Mullen recognised the need to strengthen its approach to public sector frameworks and tendering. The company was seeking specialist expertise that would help create a more structured pathway to winning new contracts and securing sustainable growth.
The Introduction
At a Source in Surrey Buyer-Supplier Exchange event, Mullen was introduced to Matka, a specialist in public sector tendering and bid management.
Prior to the event, the two organisations had never met or worked together. However, during their initial conversation it quickly became clear that there was strong alignment between Mullen's growth ambitions and Matka's expertise. What began as an introductory meeting soon developed into discussions about how Matka could become an extension of the Mullen team and take ownership of its bid management function.
The Outcome
Following the event, the relationship developed rapidly and Matka began supporting Mullen on live tender and framework opportunities in June 2026.
Today, Matka acts as Mullen's outsourced bid function, providing the equivalent capacity of a full-time bid resource through its wider team. The partnership delivers a resilient, scalable solution without the risks associated with relying on a single employee or freelance consultant.
Matka now manages the end-to-end tendering process, including:
- Opportunity identification and qualification
- Capture planning
- Bid management
- Bid writing and review
- Submission support
This allows Mullen's directors and operational teams to remain focused on delivering high-quality services while benefiting from specialist expertise that increases the organisation's capacity to compete for public sector opportunities.
Creating Value Through Local Procurement
The benefits of this partnership extend far beyond the two businesses involved.
By sourcing support from a local Surrey-based microbusiness, Mullen has strengthened its own growth potential while directly investing in the local economy. The partnership has created capacity for growth, retained spending within the local supply chain and delivered additional social value.
The collaboration demonstrates how local procurement can help businesses access specialist expertise that might otherwise be difficult to find, while ensuring that economic benefits remain within Surrey.
For Matka, the introduction has resulted in a significant long-term client relationship. For Mullen, it has provided a dedicated bid function and specialist public sector expertise that supports future growth ambitions. For the wider business community, it showcases how connections made through Source in Surrey can lead to sustainable commercial partnerships that benefit multiple organisations.
Why This Would Not Have Happened Without Source in Surrey
Both businesses agree that the partnership is unlikely to have happened without Source in Surrey. Prior to the event, they had never crossed paths and had no existing relationship.
The Buyer-Supplier Exchange provided a platform for meaningful conversation, helping both organisations identify a clear opportunity to work together and continue discussions beyond the event itself.
