In his role as former International Business Director at the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Graham was instrumental in attracting funding and support for the centre, which houses a brand new research facility for composite materials.

Maxine Room CBE will receive a Doctor of Laws as a mark of her success in the field of education. The current principal of Lewisham College studied education at the University of Bristol before spending 17 years teaching at Bridgewater College in Somerset.

She later became vice-principal at Filton College in Bristol before being appointed principal of Swansea College and in doing so became the first black female principal in Wales and second black female principal in the UK.

Angela Yeoman OBE is to be awarded with a Doctor of Laws for her success in business, helping to grow Somerset-based and family-run Foster Yeoman into one of Europe's largest quarrying and asphalt companies.

She has also played a big part in Somerset life and was the first chair of the Somerset Community Fund, is a key organiser for the local pony club and over recent years Angela became High Sheriff of Somerset, a Deputy Lieutenant and was awarded an OBE in 1992.

An honorary degree is a major accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field or activity consonant with the University’s mission.