GV Group
GV Group CEO Tevin Tobun was one of 40 attendees at a reception hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales in recognition of the annual “Powerlist” of the most influential black people in Britain.
Tobun has been included on the list for four consecutive years because of the success of his logistics company, with philanthropic initiative, The Tevin Tobun Foundation, also achieving recognition for its work in providing educational support to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
During the event at Clarence House in London on Tuesday March 1st, Prince Charles told guests: “It is particularly pleasing to see the diversity of talent recognised by the list – from the arts to sciences, from business to the environment, from the third sector to technology, and from fashion to sport.
“It is abundantly clear the Powerlist has become an immensely valuable resource that discovers and catalogues people from Britain’s African and African Caribbean communities. These communities have made and continue to make an incredibly positive difference to society as a whole and, in doing so, have built a real community spirit and cohesion”.
During his chat with the prince, Tobun says they discussed the pioneering work of The Prince’s Trust. “We talked about His Royal Highness’s charity and the amazing way it works with young people and how it is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to set a strong foot into the ecosystem of start-ups”, he adds.
Tobun, a keen polo player, also chatted with the prince about the sport.
Appearing on the Powerlist alongside Marcus Rashford, Kwasi Kwarteng and Michaela Coel, Tobun says: “I am honoured to have been invited by The Prince of Wales to commemorate the efforts of The Powerlist in celebrating Black British Excellence.
“Through GV Group and The Tobun Foundation, I will continue to strive to inspire young people, encourage them to be the best they can be, and contribute to adding strong value to society.”
GV Group, which was founded by Tobun almost two decades ago, is responsible for over 21 million UK deliveries a year across the education, social, healthcare, industrial and retail sectors, and has undertaken work for Fortnum & Mason and Iceland. The company’s subsidiary, Platebox, delivers 10 millions school dinners across the country. Another subsidiary, FoodMove, makes 15 million deliveries to small businesses, hotels and restaurants.
The group has also announced a million pound investment programme to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles.
In addition to recognising his work in business, Tobun was praised by Powerlist judges for his charity work.
First launched at The Powerlist Black Exellence Awards in 2007 to provide role models for young people, the Powerlist is compiled annually and celebrates 100 of the UK’s most influential people of African, Afro-Caribbean and African-American heritage.
Other guests at the reception included Dame Sharon White, CEO of John Lewis and Partners, Baroness Valerie Amos and award-winning actor, David Harewood.
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