International Women’s Day 2026: Celebrating Julie Garrington
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women who embrace opportunity, challenge convention and aren’t afraid to try something new. Swiftclean’s Accounts Manager, Julie Garrington is one of those people: adventurous by nature, curious about the world, and never one to stand still.
Whether it’s travelling solo across the globe, taking part in axe throwing, flying small aircraft, or booking a mystery holiday with no idea where she’ll end up until she reaches the airport, Julie has always been drawn to experiences that push her outside her comfort zone. That same adventurous mindset has shaped her career, leading her through a varied professional journey and into her current role at Swiftclean.
A career shaped by change
Julie joined Swiftclean in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a long career in the public sector, where she she spent 15 years at Southend Council. Before leaving, she had progressed to the role of Business Intelligence Officer, looking after the biggest department in the council, which primarily dealt with complaints.
“In 2019 I planned to take a short career break,” said Julie, “but like many people, my plans changed when Covid hit.” She found herself working in Tesco, before eventually making the move to Swiftclean’s HR team. “It was quite a shift moving from the public to the private sector, but I found the change both interesting and rewarding,” she said.
Embracing variety and responsibility
Now Accounts Manager, Julie oversees a team of three but still has close links with the HR team due to her being an authorised signatory for airport work. Her role is wide‑ranging, covering everything from invoicing and payroll to expenses.
Julie explains what keeps her motivated: “What I enjoy most about my job is the variety. I thrive on understanding how things work and getting to the bottom of issues; I’m always keen to understand ‘the why’. It’s this curiosity and accountability that keeps me challenged and engaged.”
Working in a predominantly female office environment, Julie’s journey also reflects the opportunities for progression and leadership available across Swiftclean; we’re proud to boast a high number of women in managerial roles.
Life beyond the day job
Outside of work, Julie is a keen globe trotter and has travelled solo since her early twenties, from cruises to walking holidays, all over the world. “I love discovering new places, nature and animal experiences,” she said. “I’ve even embraced ‘mystery holidays’, where the destination remains unknown until the last moment – so far I’ve been to Malta and Porto, and am signed-up to visit another undisclosed location this year.”
Since her last profile where she expressed a desire to axe throw and fly a helicopter, Julie’s completed the first of these ambitions. “Flying a helicopter is still on my bucket list!” No stranger to the sky’s Julie flew two and four-seater planes, as well as a glider during her time as an Air Cadet in her teens.
Closer to home, Julie enjoys crafting, particularly macramé, which she often does with her mum, creating pieces for sale at local fairs and as gifts for friends and family. Animals are another passion, and her long‑term dream is to one day run an animal sanctuary. “It’s my 40th birthday this year and my Swiftclean colleagues know me well, they’ve got me an Otter feeding experience!”
Celebrating Julie this International Women’s Day
Julie shows that progress doesn’t come from standing still, but from being open to new challenges, new experiences and new directions. She is one of many women across Swiftclean that are so essential to the success of the business.
