To have the gift of the gab and a flair for business, some would say, is a stereotypical Jewish trait. That certainly seems true in David Jacobs' case.

Mr Jacobs, 52, has been recognised as London's most successful networker by Business Network International, an organisation that provides an environment for business people to meet and exchange ideas.

He has been a member of BNI for 12 years. It boasts the slogan: "Givers gain". It works by pulling together groups of around 40 people in several regions throughout the UK in the hope of making useful contacts. BNI's London region has 5,000 members.

Mr Jacobs, owner of SRJ Accounting Services, has been recognised for giving 372 qualified business referrals over the past three years, generating £551,000 of income for colleagues. On average, each business referral is estimated to be worth £1,481.

Mr Jacobs, from Radlett, Herts, tells People: "I feel proud and privileged to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation for the value of referrals that I've given to fellow business colleagues in the group."

He notes his secret to success as being able to listen to people. He says: "The secret is knowing that I have one mouth and two ears and using them in that proportion. I listen to people's needs and I don't tell them my wants."