Skip to main content

Mackenzie Construction Newsletter SS26

Page 1


/ SUMMER

/ FOREWORD ANDY DALRYMPLE

I would like to firstly thank all for your hard work and commitment which has made the last 12 months another successful period for Mackenzie Construction.

Our client base has widened with both new clients and new opportunities with existing clients reflected in us projecting a notable increase in turnover for the year ahead and our geographical coverage continuing to increase across the UK.

Safety is and will always be core to all decision making and I would like to recognise and thank everyone for keeping each other and those we come into contact with safe. Your ongoing commitment to safety is reflected in us continuing to have an accident frequency rate of zero. Safety is a never ending journey with differing challenges faced each day, and so the ask I make is to ensure that we all remain vigilant and focused on continuous improvement to allow us to protect each other and our excellent safety record.

There has been much work done by many in ensuring we are in a strong position to take up the opportunities ahead of us and continue to deliver projects safely and efficiently on behalf of our clients and particularly in the areas on training & development, digitalisation and offices.

Our focus on promotion from within and the importance of ensuring all achieve their full potential via training and development is confirmed in the recent appointment of our Learning & Development Advisor and the ongoing work on enhancing our Training Academy.

The ongoing work associated with digitalisation is reflected in the roll out of iPads to all of our site foreman which enhances access to and improves the sharing of information.

The success of Mackenzie Construction has and always will be down to its people working together as one team and to further aid this we now have a total of six offices in our Head Office (Glasgow), Construction Hub (East Kilbride) and regional offices in Inverness, Dundee, Newcastle and Stafford.

Ensuring Mackenzie Construction remains the contractor of choice for our clients is something we can only do if we continue to work together as one team looking after and supporting each other in a way that has made the culture of Mackenzie Construction something we should all be proud of and determined to retain.

/ COMPANY

New starts

We are pleased to welcome the following colleagues who have joined Mackenzie Construction during the first half of 2026. We wish our new colleagues every success in their roles and look forward to working with them as they continue to settle into the business.

NICK ARENS
MICK FOLEY
DAVID BELLEW
DARREN MORTON
AARON MORTON
STEFAN NEWTON
ERNIE HITCHELL
CRAIG MCNEIL
KERRY KANYENDA
JONATHAN THEW
CLAUDIA MATOS

Meet Our Learning & Development Advisor: Q&A with 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 this approach, Duncan Greenhorn joined the Mackenzie Construction team in January 2026 as Learning & Development Advisor. We sat down with Duncan earlier this year to talk about his background, what drew him to Mackenzie Construction and how he plans to support people across the business.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

Strengthening our Presence in England with the Opening of our Stafford Hub

Mackenzie Construction has continued its strategic expansion in England with the opening of a new regional hub in Stafford, strengthening its ability to support clients across the Midlands and surrounding regions. The investment reflects the business’s commitment to being close to its projects, its clients and its people, and builds on recent growth across England where Mackenzie Construction continues to deliver work in water, infrastructure and structural refurbishment.

An official opening event took place on 14th May, bringing together members of the local Mackenzie Construction team alongside the wider leadership group, clients and key supply chain partners. The event marked an important milestone for the business as it continues to grow its presence south of the border.

The new Midlands base has been established to support existing frameworks while creating capacity for future opportunities in the region. It will also play a role in supporting recruitment and developing local capability as the business continues to invest in its people.

Mackenzie Construction has an established track record of delivering civil engineering and structural refurbishment projects for major clients including water authorities and public bodies across the UK. Recent investment in regional hubs has been a key part of the company’s growth strategy, ensuring that operational support keeps pace with an expanding geographic footprint.

Speaking following the opening, Andy Dalrymple, said the Stafford hub reflects a long-term commitment to clients and teams in the region.

“Our strategy has always been to grow in a sustainable way, by investing in the right locations and creating strong regional teams,” he said. “The opening of our Stafford hub allows us to better support our clients across the Midlands while giving our people a local base that encourages collaboration and consistency in delivery.”

100% Achievement Across all Areas in the Latest Achilles UVDB B2 Audit

We are pleased to confirm that we have once again achieved 100% across the board for Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Quality and Sustainability following the latest Achilles UVDB B2 Audit Renewal.

The two-day audit saw Achilles assess both management systems and onsite operations as part of the continued registration to Verify Category B2. Achilles UVDB Verify is a highly regarded prequalification scheme for the UK utilities sector, measuring organisations against demanding standards of competence, quality management and operational control before awarding UVDB supplier status.

The audit scope covers a wide range of critical areas, including corporate social responsibility, sustainability, health and safety, environmental management, carbon emissions, quality assurance, business continuity and human resources.

Securing another 100% audit score underlines the consistency of Mackenzie Construction’s approach to health, safety, environmental and quality management. Continuous improvement remains a core focus, and these results demonstrate the strength of the systems, people and culture that support delivery across the business today.

Commenting on the result, Compliance Director Scott Harvey said:

“This achievement reflects the skill, commitment and professionalism of our teams across the business. Well done in particular to the Compliance Team and the Mid-Forrest Road Site Team for their hard work in meeting the very high standards required by the Achilles UVDB scheme. Alongside our ISO accreditations, UVDB Verification plays an important role in giving our utility clients confidence in our supplier integrity and in the quality and reliability of our engineering to protect their assets and operational continuity.”

Celebrating 18 Years of RoSPA Order of Distinction

Mackenzie Construction has further cemented its reputation for outstanding health and safety standards by achieving an Order of Distinction in its 18th consecutive RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Award. This milestone underscores the company’s dedication to protecting the wellbeing of its workforce and partners.

The RoSPA Awards are widely recognised as a global benchmark for safety excellence, drawing nearly 2,000 entries each year from almost 50 countries and impacting over seven million employees worldwide.

As the UK’s longest-standing industry awards scheme, RoSPA continues to set the standard for best practice in accident prevention and safety management.

Eighteen years of consecutive recognition reflects Mackenzie Construction’s unwavering commitment to proactive risk management. The award highlights the company’s focus on ensuring that every member of its team, as well as supply chain partners, can complete each day safely.

Scott Harvey, Compliance Director, commented:

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Mackenzie Construction. Achieving our 18th consecutive RoSPA Award is a testament to the dedication of our team, who embrace a culture of safety through ongoing training and personal responsibility. While there is always more work to do, this recognition confirms that our focus on health and safety remains.”

RoSPA’s mission is to offer practical guidance and empowering people to manage everyday risks effectively. This mission resonates closely with Mackenzie Construction’s values and approach to creating a safe working environment across all sites and projects.

Mackenzie Construction Joins British Water

In April, Mackenzie Construction was pleased to announce our membership of British Water, marking another important step in strengthening our commitment to the UK water sector.

Joining British Water supports our continued focus on delivering resilient infrastructure and sustainable solutions for the communities we serve. Being part of this network provides valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration, as well as direct engagement with key industry challenges such as asset resilience and Net Zero targets.

We look forward to playing an active role within the British Water community and continuing to support progress and innovation across the UK water sector.

/ PROJECTS

Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Capacity at Coniston

The Coniston MBBR Project was delivered to upgrade wastewater treatment capacity and improve effluent quality to meet regulatory requirements. Ross-Shire Engineering was appointed by United Utilities as principal contractor, with Mackenzie Construction engaged as specialist civil contractor. The works formed part of a wider programme to strengthen long-term treatment performance at the Coniston site in Cumbria.

Scope of works

Working to meet the overall programme for the project, Mackenzie Construction undertook phased construction to maintain operational continuity and included, but not limited to:

• Supply and installation of all pipework, including fittings and connections

• Construction of new 1200mm diameter manholes and associated backdrops as detailed on the design drawings

• Tie-ins to existing site drainage chambers and associated ducting

• Installation of ancillary components

• Testing, inspection and commissioning of the completed system

• Provision of as-built records, test results and quality documentation to support completion.

Challenges

The project was delivered within a live wastewater treatment environment, requiring careful planning and strict adherence to operational and safety constraints. Coordination between civil and mechanical scopes was essential to prevent interface delays, while variable ground conditions and site access limitations added complexity.

Outcome

The works demonstrated effective collaboration between United Utilities, Ross-Shire Engineering and Mackenzie Construction, resulting in a robust and efficient wastewater treatment solution that supports long-term asset resilience.

Delivering Climate Resilience Along NCN 7

We’re proud to have recently completed climate adaptation and erosion repair works along the NCN 7 cycle route for Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, delivered in line with programme and budget requirements.

The works addressed erosion and surface water issues at Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, helping to improve the long term resilience of this important active travel route. The project involved slope stabilisation, drainage upgrades and erosion control measures designed to protect the route for years to come.

This scheme was a strong example of collaborative working. A flexible approach, supported by the client’s trust in our methodology, allowed our team to adapt on site and deliver high quality outcomes in challenging conditions.

A fantastic result and a partnership we’re proud to be part of.

Supporting the Future of Levenmouth: River Park Works Underway

Earlier this year, Mackenzie Construction began working alongside The Leven Programme to help deliver the new River Park at Levenmouth, a major regeneration project focused on access, biodiversity and community benefit.

Our work is centred on opening the park so more people can enjoy it with ease. This includes the introduction of new mown grass paths and a carefully designed network of boardwalks, creating safe and inclusive access to key areas of the site.

In addition, we are shaping the landscape to strengthen biodiversity and improve water management. A series of new lades, swales and wildflower meadows will encourage wildlife to return, while also helping to guide surface water from the residential area at the top of the park down to newly formed lades at the lower level.

Through improved access, habitat creation and a strong focus on community-led design, River Park will become a welcoming place to walk, explore and spend time together, reconnecting Levenmouth’s industrial heritage with a more sustainable future.

To find out more about the project, visit: https://www. theleven.org/

Lochwinnoch Erosion Repair
Kilbarchan Erosion Repair

/ CULTURE

Building Community Connections: Our Year with Men’s Sheds

During 2025/26, Mackenzie Construction was proud to support Scottish Men’s Sheds Association and UK Men’s Sheds Association as our Charities of the Year.

Through fundraising, hands on support and community involvement, the partnership reflected our shared commitment to wellbeing, connection and making a meaningful difference at a local level.

Raising Funds Through Sport: Business Fives in Newcastle

In February, a team from our Newcastle office enjoyed a fantastic afternoon representing Mackenzie Construction at the Business Fives charity five a side football tournament.

Team Mackenzie Construction put in a strong performance, with Richy Helens, Connor Burrell, Mason Frizell, Evan Avery, John Lumsden, Stuart King and Dale Helens helping the squad reach the Europa League final, where they were narrowly beaten 4–2 by Datim Building Contractors.

The day concluded with an inspiring talk from guest speaker Alan Thompson, former Newcastle United, Bolton, Aston Villa, Celtic and Leeds midfielder, who shared stories from his playing career and presented the awards.

The event raised over £1,500 for local and national charities, including our chosen charities of the year. A brilliant effort by everyone involved, combining teamwork, friendly competition and fundraising for a great cause.

Supporting Forth Valley Men’s Shed: Building Spaces That Matter

As part of our Charity of the Year activities, we were delighted to support Forth Valley Men’s Shed – Alloa’s Community Shed by donating flooring materials for the renovation of Marshill House.

This project forms a key part of the Shed’s expansion into a larger, more inclusive community hub. While remaining true to its core aim of tackling isolation through skill sharing and social connection, the new space will welcome people of all ages and genders.

Activities range from woodworking and crafts to simply spending time together over a cup of tea. With over £185,000 secured to purchase and refurbish the building, our contribution helped create a safe, practical and welcoming environment, allowing workshop spaces to be properly set up and used all year round.

Before After

A Meaningful Year of Partnership

Our 2025/26 partnership with Scottish Men’s Sheds Association and UK Men’s Sheds Association has now come to a close, having raised £1,359.81, shared equally between both organisations to support their ongoing work across communities.

Men’s Sheds provide welcoming spaces where people can connect, learn practical skills and work on meaningful projects together, helping to tackle loneliness, strengthen wellbeing and build community resilience.

While our formal charity partnership year has concluded, this is not the end of our relationship. As our projects continue within local communities, we will look for opportunities to support nearby Men’s Sheds by donating surplus construction materials where possible.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to fundraising and support throughout the year. Together, we’ve helped sustain spaces that bring people together, share skills and create lasting positive impact.

Supporting Young Lives Locally: Our Partnership with Cash for Kids

Mackenzie Construction is proud to be working with Cash for Kids as our Charity of the Year for 2026/27, continuing our long standing commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work. The partnership focuses on practical, local support for children and young people affected by poverty, illness, neglect or additional needs, delivered directly through community based initiatives across the UK.

With teams based in Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee, Newcastle and Stafford, supporting charities with strong local reach remains central to our approach to corporate responsibility. Cash for Kids’ model of investing funds directly back into local communities closely aligns with our values as a business.

Kicking Off the Year: Bake Sale and Raffle Success

On Tuesday 1 April 2026, colleagues across Mackenzie Construction came together for our first charity event of the year, a company wide bake sale and raffle that raised an incredible £1,205 for Cash for Kids.

The day featured a fantastic range of home baked treats, generous ticket sales and a wide selection of raffle prizes. Combined with online donations, the event exceeded all expectations and set the bar high for our 2026/27 fundraising calendar.

The raffle proved a particular highlight, with prizes including restaurant vouchers, golf experiences, luxury hampers, tools and bottles of fizz. A huge thank you to our supply chain partners whose generosity made this possible, including EPMS, Speedy Hire, GAP Group, PF Cusak, Caley Group, CDU Supplies, Travis Perkins, Cleveland, Fyfe & McGrouther, Waste King, FTH Hire, VP plc, Resapol, Carrier Rentals, Selwood, YES, Buckhurst, UDS and Comhara.

Putting Our Knowledge to the Test: Big Cash for Kids Quiz

Mackenzie Construction colleagues also took part in the Big Cash for Kids Quiz, a UK wide fundraising event that set an official Guinness World Record as the largest live radio quiz.

Hosted by Ant & Dec and broadcast across Bauer Media Audio’s national radio stations, the quiz brought together organisations and individuals from across the country.

Teams from Mackenzie Construction signed up to take part, contributing to the record breaking participation while fundraising to support Cash for Kids’ vital work.

The event provided a fun and inclusive way for colleagues to get involved, combining teamwork, friendly competition and fundraising for a cause that closely reflects our values.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Meaningful Impact

Throughout 2026/27, Mackenzie Construction will continue to focus its fundraising and awareness raising efforts on supporting Cash for Kids and the vital support they provide to children and families facing challenging circumstances.

By bringing colleagues together across the business to take part in a programme of events and activities, we aim to make a practical and lasting contribution within the communities we serve.

The enthusiasm and engagement already shown across all offices highlights the strong sense of community that runs throughout Mackenzie Construction.

We look forward to building on this positive start and making a real difference for children and young people through our partnership with Cash for Kids.

Investing in Learning and Development

In March, Mackenzie Construction unveiled new graphics in its dedicated training room, transforming the space into a warm and engaging environment that reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to learning and development.

The refreshed room features bold wall decals that bring the company’s values to life, creating a purposeful and welcoming space designed to support focused learning, open discussion and collaboration.

Learning and development have long been central to how Mackenzie Construction operates, with health and safety at the heart of every project. This is supported by structured training programmes and consistent, practical guidance on site. The updated training room strengthens this approach, providing colleagues with a dedicated setting to develop skills and share knowledge.

This investment also aligns with the recent appointment of Duncan Greenhorn as Learning and Development Advisor. Together, the training room enhancements and Duncan’s appointment mark another positive step in strengthening a culture where people are supported to build skills, grow in confidence and develop long term careers with Mackenzie Construction.

Celebrating Joe Baird’s Outstanding Career

On 13 March, colleagues across the business came together to mark the retirement of our foreman, Joe Baird, following more than 34 years of dedicated service with Mackenzie Construction.

Throughout his career, Joe has been an integral part of our sites, our culture and our success. His experience, commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact, and he leaves behind a strong legacy that will be felt for years to come.

We would like to sincerely thank Joe for everything he has contributed over the decades and wish him a long, happy and well deserved retirement.

/ COMMUNITY & SPONSORSHIPS

Cycling for a Cause by Supporting Doddie’s Triple Crown

In March, we were proud to support the 2026 Doddie’s Triple Crown, an extraordinary 800 mile endurance cycling challenge led by Rob Wainwright and Mark Beaumont in aid of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The four-day challenge saw riders travel from Melrose to Dublin, crossing Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland to raise vital funds and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). Construction Director Mark Wilson took part as a member of one of the riding teams, pushing through long hours in the saddle, harsh weather conditions and very little sleep to complete the demanding route.

This cause holds deep significance for Mackenzie Construction. During the Covid pandemic, the business sadly lost one of its highly respected foremen, James Patia, to MND. James was part of the company for over ten years and was widely admired across the business. Due to pandemic restrictions, colleagues were unable to attend his funeral, instead coming together to mark his passing with a minute’s silence and by supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in his memory. Mackenzie Construction’s involvement in Doddie’s Triple Crown 2026 was dedicated to James.

Despite strong winds, heavy rain and disruption to the final ferry crossing into Ireland, the teams completed the challenge later on the Friday afternoon. The event has so far raised an incredible £1.26 million for the foundation, supporting crucial research and initiatives for people affected by MND.

Reflecting on the experience, Mark described the ride as one of the toughest physical and mental challenges he has faced, but also one of the most rewarding. The shared purpose of riding for such an important cause, combined with the incredible support from fellow riders, volunteers and rugby communities along the route, made every mile worthwhile.

Everyone at Mackenzie Construction congratulates Mark, the fellow riders, organisers, volunteers and support teams who made this remarkable challenge possible, while proudly continuing to support the fight against MND in memory of a valued colleague.

Renewing our Support for Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity

We were proud to announce that we have renewed our partnership with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity for 2026/27, continuing our commitment as an official Company Supporter.

Since first partnering with Lighthouse Club in 2024, we have remained dedicated to supporting the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of our employees and the wider construction community. Lighthouse Charity provides a range of free, confidential services, including a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, Text Support Service, a Self Support App, and a Wellbeing Academy offering guidance on stress management, resilience, debt, and suicide awareness.

The charity also supports workers through its nationwide network of Lighthouse Beacons, providing safe spaces where individuals can connect with others who understand the challenges of the industry.

As the only charity solely focused on construction industry wellbeing, Lighthouse Charity’s mission to reduce suicides, improve workforce welfare, and keep support services free aligns closely with Mackenzie Construction’s values.

Renewing our support reinforces our belief that our people are at the heart of our success, and that protecting wellbeing inside and outside of work is essential for a strong and sustainable industry.

To learn more about Lighthouse Club and the support they offer, visit www.lighthouseclub.org.

Proud to Support Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Championship Success

Late April and early May marked a fantastic period for Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, and we were proud to be part of the journey as club sponsors.

Towards the end of April, our Inverness site team enjoyed hospitality at the Sarens PSG Stadium and a brilliant matchday atmosphere, as ICT secured an important three points to keep their promotion push firmly on track. It was great to see the momentum building and the positive energy around the club and wider community.

That momentum culminated on 2 May, when members of our leadership team were at the Sarens PSG Stadium to watch Inverness Caledonian Thistle lift the William Hill League One trophy. It was a superb moment for the club, capping off a successful season and reflecting the hard work and commitment shown throughout the year.

As proud sponsors, we have thoroughly enjoyed supporting ICT and seeing the positive impact their success has had across the local community. We look forward to continuing our support as the club moves into the Championship and to further strengthening our ties in the North of Scotland.

Congratulations to everyone at Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC on a truly well deserved achievement.

Delivering a Community Enhancement Project with NHS Forth Valley Neurorehabilitation Team

We successfully completed a community enhancement project in partnership with the NHS Forth Valley Neurorehabilitation team, delivering lasting benefits for patients, staff and visitors at the facility.

The works were funded through the Falkirk Flight Community Fund, Mackenzie Construction’s initiative to support local community projects connected to its work replacing lock gates along the Forth & Clyde Canal. The fund focuses on creating practical, positive impacts in communities where Mackenzie Construction is already working.

Completed in February 2026, the project at NHS Forth Valley focused on improving accessibility, safety and the overall outdoor environment at the neurorehabilitation site. Enhancements included new perimeter and screening fencing, a dedicated pedestrian pathway, a timber patio and seating area, and the construction of a fully accessible ramp.

The project was shaped through close collaboration

between Mackenzie Construction and the NHS team, following early site visits and planning discussions to ensure the improvements met clinical and user needs. Regular communication between the site team and NHS representatives helped the works progress smoothly and to a high standard.

The completed space now provides a safer, more welcoming outdoor environment that supports team wellbeing and encourages patients to spend time outside as part of their rehabilitation. For staff and visitors, it offers improved access and a more comfortable setting.

The transformed space was recently officially opened with a small tea and cake celebration, attended by NHS staff and supported by the Mackenzie Construction team. The opening day marked the completion of the works and gave staff the opportunity to see first-hand how the new outdoor areas will be used in day-to-day rehabilitation.

Mark Wilson, Construction Director at Mackenzie Construction shared,

“This project reflects Mackenzie Construction’s continued commitment to delivering social value, strengthening partnerships and leaving a positive legacy within local communities across the Falkirk area.”

Frances Burke, Specialist Physiotherapist at NHS Forth Valley added,

“We were delighted to have our application for an outdoor space funded. It was a pleasure to work with Mark Wilson, Construction Director and Zak Ward, Site Engineer on designing and planning an outdoor area for our staff. Forth Valley Neuro Rehabilitation Team work extremely hard across Forth Valley providing Rehabilitation Services to patients in their home environment. It is a stressful, challenging and highly rewarding job. A garden provides a place to relax and reflect on the day and come together to socialise. We have no staff room or communal area to gather and appreciate coming together as a team. Our garden opening was a huge success and the space was greatly admired. Thank you to Mackenzie Construction for improving our wellbeing at work and providing a beautiful space to share outdoors.”

/ PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS

Celebrating the Impact of CECA Scotland Academy Graduates

We were delighted to attend the CECA Scotland Academy Forum at the end of April and to contribute to insightful discussions on the real impact graduates are having across our industry.

As long standing supporters of the CECA Scotland Academy since its launch, we are proud to employ a number of graduates across our business. It is inspiring to see first hand the value they bring to our projects and teams.

It was encouraging to join industry peers to explore how, together, we can continue to strengthen and grow the CECA Scotland Academy for the benefit of the future workforce.

Welcoming Future Talent from the CECA Scotland Academy

In January, we welcomed students from the CECA Scotland Academy’s South Lanarkshire College cohort.

The day began at our Prism House office, where members of our HSE team, Chris Duffy and Keelan Norrie, delivered presentations on general site safety and working in excavations.

The students then travelled to our Scottish Canals

project at Lock 16 on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Following a site induction, our site team provided a guided tour, offering insight into the type of work we undertake on the canals and the wide range of project considerations involved, from community engagement to environmental protection.

We are proud to continue our ongoing support of the CECA Scotland Academy and the fantastic work they do in providing a new entry route into civil engineering contracting and helping to address the skills shortage across our industry.

Celebrating Excellence at the CECA Scotland Awards

At the end of March, we had a fantastic evening at the CECA Scotland Annual Awards Dinner.

It was inspiring to hear the latest industry updates and to celebrate the young award winners who are excelling across the sector. The event also helped raise valuable funds and awareness for CHAS, who shared an incredibly moving story that highlighted the profound impact of their work.

A big thank you to the CECA Scotland team for hosting such a memorable and well organised evening.

United Utilities Partnering Event in Blackpool

At the beginning of March, we attended the United Utilities Partnering Event at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Mackenzie Construction was represented by Chris Duffy, Mark Wilson, Oluchi Ejiofor, Robbie MacLean and Craig Waton, alongside Scott Gallacher from A&L Mechanical Installations Ltd. With more than a thousand people in attendance, the event brought together delivery partners to review progress across AMP8 and to look ahead to the opportunities within AMP9 and AMP10.

United Utilities provided a clear overview of current operations, achievements to date, and their ambitions for the forthcoming investment periods, making for a highly informative and engaging event.

Mackenzie Construction is currently part of the Minor Civils Lot, delivering projects ranging from £50k to £2.5m and presently programmed within the Cumbria district. We are proud to be involved in this programme and encouraged by the scale of collaboration and opportunities to support delivery across the region in the years ahead.

A big thank you to the organisers and all partners involved for a very well run and positive event.

WaterAid Ball 2026

At the end of March, we were delighted to attend WaterAid UK Scotland’s 90s & 00s Ball, an inspiring evening that raised over £300,000 in support of WaterAid’s vital work around the world.

This year’s event focused on the next phase of the Delivering Life programme in Malawi, which is helping to provide mothers, young children and communities with access to clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene, at home, in healthcare facilities and in early childhood centres.

As Silver Sponsors, Mackenzie Construction was proud to support WaterAid and its partners in delivering essential services to those who need them most. Thank you to WaterAid Scotland for hosting an excellent event, we’re proud to support work that delivers real, lasting impact.

Supporting Young People Through Good Practice Sharing

At the end of April, our HR Manager, Shirley McInnes, attended the Investors in Young People (IIYP) Good Practice Networking Event in Glasgow.

The event brought together employers from across a range of sectors to explore how organisations can best support young people to reach their full potential. Discussions focused on practical approaches, including stronger mentoring, clearer early career pathways and sharing what works well in different workplaces.

It was encouraging to be part of open and collaborative conversations, highlighting a shared commitment to developing and supporting the next generation.

Promoting Skin Health Awareness in Inverness

On 23 April, members of our Inverness tea attended Scottish Water’s Skin Health Awareness Event in Inverness, proudly sponsored by Mackenzie Construction.

The session was delivered by skincare specialist Nick Foort, who provided engaging and practical guidance on the importance of skin health, highlighting how everyday activities can damage the skin and the simple steps that can be taken to protect it both at work and at home. The event also reinforced how early action can help prevent long term health issues.

With work related skin conditions affecting a significant proportion of the workforce, the session highlighted why skin health should be viewed as a vital part of personal protective equipment. The event prompted valuable discussion around raising awareness and encouraging early reporting and prevention.

Thank you to Nick Foort for delivering such an informative session, to Scottish Water for organising the event, and to Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC for supporting by providing the venue. We’re proud to support initiatives that promote wellbeing and long term health across the industry.

Showcasing Innovation at Northumbrian Water’s Delivery Showcase

In February, we were pleased to attend Northumbrian Water’s Delivery Showcase with UAV 365, highlighting our new partnership inspection service, AquaVis 3D.

Mark Brown, our Structural Refurbishment General Manager, and Kieran Smith, Operations Director at UAV 365, were on hand to share insights into AquaVis 3D and demonstrate the value that underwater 3D scanning brings to the water sector. It was a great opportunity to connect with industry peers and discuss how the service is helping to drive smarter, safer and more efficient asset management.

A huge thank you to Northumbrian Water Group for hosting such a strong and well delivered event. We enjoyed learning more about their plans for AMP8, upcoming workflows, continued focus on customer satisfaction and ambitious Net Zero goals, areas where innovation will play a key role moving forward.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Mackenzie Construction Newsletter SS26 by Genoa Black - Issuu