Fashion Retail Academy (FRA) has announced the appointment of Lord (Stuart) Rose as its first patron. This milestone appointment comes as the Academy prepares to move to its prestigious new campus at Electra House on Moorgate in September.
Lord Rose, a highly respected and influential figure in the UK retail landscape, brings a wealth of experience to the role. As a former CEO of Marks & Spencer, one of the FRA’s founding partners, and a previous chair of the British Fashion Council, Lord Rose has been a longstanding supporter of the Academy since its inception in 2005.
Lord Rose, Member of the House of Lords, says “I am honoured to become the first patron of the Fashion Retail Academy. The Academy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry by equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. I look forward to continuing to support the Fashion Retail Academy’s mission and helping to inspire the next generation of fashion retail professionals.”
Kim Longman, chair of Fashion Retail Academy, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Lord Rose as our first patron. His unparalleled experience and passion for nurturing emerging talent aligns perfectly with our goals. This appointment is a significant step forward for the Academy as we continue to evolve and expand our impact on the fashion retail sector.”
Lord Rose and the FRA anticipate that this appointment will enable the Academy to engage additional patrons in the coming months, enhancing the college’s industry connections and creating even more opportunities for students.
The FRA was founded in 2005 by industry giants – Marks & Spencer, Next, Tesco’s F&F, Arcadia, and Experian – to prepare students for various roles within the fashion and retail sectors. Since its founding 19 years ago, the FRA has established itself as a powerhouse in fashion education, having trained over 13,000 students for entry-level roles in the industry. Notably, 89% of its students find employment or pursue further education within six months of completing their course. The Academy also collaborates with over 250 businesses, ranging from well-known high street names to high-end luxury brands, ensuring students receive industry-relevant training.
The college’s move to its new campus this September seeks to meet the growing industry demand for job-ready talent by enabling the launch of courses in new formats and subject areas to address the industry’s most critical skills gaps. New degree pathways, including UX/UI, data analytics, sustainable fashion and more, will also help to realise the FRA’s ambition of enrolling 5,000 students by 2029.
As the Academy approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, the appointment of Lord Rose and the move to Electra House will mark a new chapter for FRA as it continues in its mission to nurture the next generation of fashion retail talent.
