ONE of the country’s most influential networkers, in property circles at least, plies his trade in WGC.

Ray McAuley, who works for construction company Morgan Sindall, has won a coveted national honour at the Movers and Shakers Property Networking Forum’s annual awards.

The 49-year-old, a regional business development director for the Shire Park-based company, was named Mover and Shaker of the Year.

And Mr McAuley said the accolade was all the more special as the winner was chosen by members within the forum, who were all asked to vote for who they thought deserved it.

He said: “It’s always nice to be chosen for an award but I’m especially proud to have won this one – it’s voted for by fellow members which makes it that little bit more special.

“Through Morgan Sindall, I’ve been involved with the forum for nearly three years and it’s an excellent way of meeting and establishing relationships with key contacts within the property industry.”

Established in 1996, the forum – the UK’s leading property networking organisation – has almost 300 members working in a variety of professions including major developers, investment companies, architects, consultants, contractors and property agents.

Its aim is to bring together key players in the market to share knowledge and understanding.

Mr McAuley received his award at the group’s annual dinner, at The Dorchester in London.

Forum chairman David Jennings said: “Ray was a deserved winner and was rightly singled out as a key player in the industry.

“Being effective at networking and communications is a fundamental skill in business development and critical to understanding and translating the needs of customers.”