Q&A with Mackenzie Construction’s new Learning & Development Advisor, Duncan Greenhorn
Mackenzie Construction has a long-standing commitment to learning and development, with health and safety at the centre of all our operations. From structured training programmes to everyday support on site, the focus is on building skills, confidence and long-term careers across the company. To support that approach, Duncan Greenhorn has joined the team as Learning and Development Advisor. We sat down with Duncan to talk about his background, what drew him to Mackenzie Construction and how he plans to support people across the business.
Q: Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into learning and development.
I started out in logistics in 2002 as a courier and worked my way up through DHL and FedEx. Being on the ground first really shaped how I approach training because you understand the risks properly when you’ve lived them yourself. A lot of the focus was on younger teams and addressing unsafe habits early on to prevent accidents and injury.
At DHL I moved into learning and development, focusing on security training in airport cargo environments. That covered everything from explosives awareness to prohibited items. In 2021 I was named DHL Express’s Employee of the Year which was a real career highlight.
After that, I became an independent trainer working mainly in manufacturing. Helping people do things the right way, and understand why it matters, has always been important to me.
Q: What made Mackenzie Construction stand out to you?
I knew straight after the interview that this was somewhere I wanted to be. The HR team were a big part of that. They were friendly, open and genuinely passionate about the business. They spoke about Mackenzie Construction with real pride and it was easy to see how well they knew the company and its people. I could immediately see where I’d fit in.
Q: What have you noticed about the culture since joining?
It’s been a breath of fresh air. The approach to health, safety and training is proactive and not something that’s done just to tick a box.
What really stands out is the focus on the future. There are clear plans in place to support people at every stage of their career and a genuine commitment to helping staff develop and progress.
Q: What will you be focusing on in your role over the coming months?
I’ll be working closely with the HSE team on core areas like manual handling, asbestos awareness and harness training. These are essential skills and keeping standards high is key.
There will also be a focus on diversity and inclusion training, alongside following the learning journey of younger team members as they come through the business. I want to make sure they feel supported and know there’s a clear path ahead of them.
Mentoring and coaching are a big part of how I work. Spending time with people, understanding what they need and helping them grow makes a real difference. I’ll also be looking at new training opportunities that add value for both individuals and the business.
Q: And outside of work, what keeps you busy?
Family life takes up most of my time, with children, grandchildren and a few cats keeping things lively. I’m also a big football fan. One of my highlights was getting the chance to play at Old Trafford in a DHL customer match, something I’ll never forget.