Swansea Building Society celebrates long-serving employee’s 35-year milestone

28 March 2025

Swansea Building Society employee, Julie Keane, is celebrating a significant milestone as its longest currently serving member of staff, marking 35 years of dedicated service. Julie, who joined the Society in 1990, has been an integral part of its journey, witnessing its evolution from a small organisation with a single office to the thriving institution it is today.

Starting as a Chief Cashier before transitioning into her current role as a Cashier following the birth of her children, Julie has played a key role in serving the Society’s members with warmth and professionalism for three and a half decades. Reflecting on her tenure, she recalls the early days when the Society operated solely from its Cradock Street head office with a team of just 15 staff members. “Back then, we had no branches and only one computer in the Savings Department, which we had to queue to use if the counter was busy,” she reminisces.

Over the years, Julie has witnessed the Society’s tremendous growth, with the expansion of its branch network setting it apart in an era where many financial institutions are closing branches and reducing staff numbers. “It’s wonderful to be part of an organisation that is growing rather than shrinking – opening and not closing branches. Swansea Building Society’s commitment to personal service and community banking is something I’m proud to be associated with.”

Julie describes the Society as her ‘work family,’ a place where management and colleagues have been supportive through all stages of her life. “During my time here, I’ve gotten married, had two children, and sadly lost both my parents. Through it all, the Society has been there for me, providing not just a job, but a place where I feel valued and supported.”

She also fondly remembers two former colleagues, Neil Rosser and Adrian Hawes, who both dedicated many years to the Society before retiring. “They were like the main pillars of the Society, and I owe much of my work ethic to them. They set a fantastic example for me and other staff.”

Julie attributes much of the Society’s success to current Chief Executive, Alun Williams, and his leadership team. “The growth and success of Swansea Building Society are largely due to Alun and the fantastic team behind him. Their vision and dedication have transformed the Society into what it is today.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Julie’s dedication and commitment to the Society over the past 35 years have been truly outstanding. She has been a key part of our journey, providing exceptional service to our members and embracing the changes that have come with our growth. We are incredibly grateful for her loyalty and hard work, and we congratulate her on this remarkable milestone.”

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society's principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.