Nick Cox of Palladium; Andrew Davies of Kellaway Building Supplies; David Kidd of Simpson and Allinson; and Glenn Paddison of MKM Building Supplies received their degrees from the University of the West of England at Bristol Cathedral.

Mr Paddison also received the University’s Lesley Moore Prize for Work Based Learning, which recognises a significant development in higher skills and knowledge.

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: "A clean sweep of Distinctions is an incredible achievement. Nick, Andrew, David and Glen have set the bar as high as it will go."

The Foundation Degree in Integrated Professional Development (Merchanting) was introduced in 2012 to follow on from the BMF Diploma in Merchanting, for which more than 100 are enrolled.