Patrick Grant joins QMU as Chancellor: Weaving wisdom into education

We have been delighted to welcome Patrick Grant – fashion designer, entrepreneur, and TV judge – as the new Chancellor of the University.  Patrick took up the role in July, building on the excellent work of his predecessor, Dame Prue Leith CBE, who served in the role from 2017-2024.

Patrick was met with much excitement from staff, students and guests when he presided over his first QMU graduation ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall last summer. Known best for his role as a judge on the BBC’s hit TV show, the ‘Great British Sewing Bee’, his involvement in graduation was the perfect opportunity for the QMU community to learn more about this entrepreneurial experience, passion for creating sustainable communities, and his recipe for successful careers.

Championing values through leadership

Patrick is much more than a celebrated designer and television personality. He is a visionary whose work aligns seamlessly with QMU’s enduring motto: Head, Heart and Hand. This triad – representing intellectual rigour, compassion, and practical action – very much reflects our Chancellor’s own ethos and career.

HEAD: Thoughtful innovation and intellectual leadership

Patrick’s academic background in engineering and business, combined with his deep understanding of design and manufacturing, exemplifies the ‘Head’ component of QMU’s motto. His thoughtful approach to fashion – emphasising quality, longevity, and sustainability – demonstrates intellectual leadership in an industry often driven by fast trends. His book ‘Less’, a Sunday Times bestseller, challenges consumerism and promotes mindful living, echoing QMU’s commitment to critical thinking and academic excellence.

HEART: Compassion and community

At the core of Patrick’s work is a deep concern for people and communities. As founder of Community Clothing, a social enterprise that supports UK textile workers by creating jobs and producing affordable, high-quality garments, he has shown how business can be a force for good. His advocacy for ethical production and local manufacturing reflects the ‘Heart’ of QMU’s mission – empathy, social justice, and care for community wellbeing.

HAND: Craftsmanship and practical impact

Patrick’s passion for traditional craftsmanship and his role as a TV judge on The Great British Sewing Bee together highlight his dedication to practical skills and hands-on learning. He champions the value of making – whether it’s tailoring a garment or building a business – resonating strongly with QMU’s emphasis on applied learning and real-world impact.

A Chancellor who lives out QMU’s values

Raised in Edinburgh, Patrick’s return to the Scottish capital to serve as Chancellor is both symbolic and inspiring. In his ambassadorial role at QMU, he helps bring increased visibility to the University’s mission of educating individuals who are intellectually capable, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible.

As QMU continues to shape future leaders, Patrick stands as a living example of what it means to lead with Head, Heart and Hand. His work reminds us that education is not just about acquiring knowledge – it’s about using that knowledge to uplift others and create lasting change.