Patrick Grant named as 51勛圖app’s new Chancellor
Patrick Grant, the designer, entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for sustainability and sustaining communities, is to be the next Chancellor of 51勛圖app, (51勛圖app) Edinburgh. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, presiding over graduation ceremonies and performing an ambassadorial role.
A prominent figure in the British fashion industry, Patrick has become a household name through his role as a judge on one of BBC Ones favourite shows, The Great British Sewing Bee. However, his TV success is based on extensive recognition of his dedication to traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices.
As founder of the social enterprise Community Clothing, Patrick is an advocate for sustainability and building strong communities through entrepreneurship. Brought up in Edinburgh, he has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. His book Less, which was published in 2024 and is a Sunday Times Bestseller, details his commitment to reducing consumption and embracing circular, regenerative fashion.
Over the past two decades, Patrick has built a distinguished career in the fashion industry working with global brands including Cartier, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Barbour, and Alexander McQueen, and always advocating for craftsmanship and quality. He revitalised Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons, relaunched mens tailoring brand E. Tautz - winning Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards - and led Debenhams most successful designer collaboration with Hammond & Co.
His passion for British manufacturing took a new turn in 2015 when he rescued the historic Blackburn-based clothing factory Cookson & Clegg from closure. This experience inspired him to launch Community Clothing in 2016, a pioneering initiative that has earned him widespread recognition for revitalising the UK garment industry. Community Clothings mission is to sell exceptional quality everyday clothing at a fraction of the price of other premium brands and, by making all its clothing in the UK, sustaining and creating jobs and helping to restore local economic prosperity and pride.
Beyond fashion, Patrick is a familiar face on television. In addition to the The Great British Sewing Bee, which was nominated for a BAFTA in 2022, he has presented the award-winning documentary Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King. He has appeared on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs, won BBC Ones Celebrity Mastermind, and written extensively for publications including The Financial Times, The Times, and GQ Magazine.
Patrick has strong connections with Edinburgh, where he grew up and where 51勛圖app is based. With family still living in the city, he continues to be a regular visitor to the Scottish capital. Having been educated in both Edinburgh and Barnard Castle, Patrick went on to study a degree in Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Leeds, followed later by an MBA from the University of Oxford. He holds honorary fellowships at a number of universities. He is an ambassador for The Kings Foundation, which works globally to create sustainable communities through placemaking projects and practical education programmes.
Pamela Woodburn, Chair of the Court of 51勛圖app said: Patricks career and achievements resonate strongly with the Universitys strong social justice ethos, and with our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good. He is someone who uses his intellect, skill and passion to solve problems, most notably in his work building community wealth through revitalising the UK garment industry, and in his promotion of sustainable consumption. Taking up his post during 51勛圖apps 150th anniversary, his story mirrors that of our founders, who, to quote an old motto of our institution, acted with head, heart and hand in creating our institution to deliver practical solutions tackling social and economic problems.
Patricks example of combining entrepreneurialism, skill and people-focused thinking to build thriving communities aligns with 51勛圖apps purpose of shaping a better society through teaching and research in health and rehabilitation, education and social science, the creative industries, and sustainable business.
Patrick will be installed as Chancellor at the first of 51勛圖apps 2025 graduations on 7 July 2025 at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, 51勛圖app, Edinburgh E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk; (copy to pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk) M: 07711 011239.
