A BUSINESSMAN has been given a prestigious award for his services to the European construction industry.

Professor Trevor Mole (57), of New Road, Radcliffe, received the 2008 Constructor’s Prize at the Danish Association of Constructing Architects awards.

The father-of-two is the managing director of Swinton-based building consultancy Property Tectonics and a vocal supporter for the free movement of property experts across national borders.

Despite European Union regulations aimed at liberalising labour markets, some countries restrict foreign building surveyors and constructing architects from practising.

The judges named Prof Mole as the first non-Danish award winner for his work lobbying European politicians on the removal of trade barriers.

Judge Gert Johansen, president of the Danish Constructor Association, said: “If it were not for people like Trevor Mole, Europe’s ideals of free movement would not apply to us as constructing architects.

“For many years, our profession has been in the Tower of Babel with no common language, common rules and common goals.”

Prof Mole, who is a visiting professor at Salford University and president of the Association of European Building Surveyors and Construction Experts, said: “I was very touched to receive this award as it truly is a great honour.

“To be acknowledged by some of the leading figures in our industry is among the proudest moments in my career.

“With a global recession upon us, the need to liberalise labour markets has rarely been greater.

“Allowing businesses to target opportunities abroad where there is a genuine need for human capital will help ensure the survival of many firms, and not just those in our industry.”