"Sometimes we live in a world where people forget the journey. I don't ever want to forget the journey. I think you’re only truly successful when you can help other people achieve their dreams and that's probably what drives me more than anything else"
Philanthropy
Tevin advocates for the power of self-belief, but is equally dedicated to helping others recognise their potential and achieve their best.
Just a few months after graduating from university, Tevin launched his first business and never looked back. That businesses was to turn into GV Group, one of the UK’s leading independently owned food logistics companies. Reflecting on his journey, Tevin credits education as the gateway that empowered him to start his business. It gave him the conviction in his vision, confidence in his abilities, and the foundation to build his business from the ground up.
His belief that education acts as an enabler for positive social change was the catalyst for Tobun to set up his own foundation. The Tobun Foundation was established in 2015 and places education at the heart of its activities.
Since then, Tobun has continued to pursue his goal of creating equal access to education for all. This is done through his involvement with several universities in addition to holding several charity board positions.
Throughout his career, Tevin has worked closely with organisations to develop tailored programmes to support those who may face barriers to educational success.
The Tobun Foundation actively works to ensure underprivileged and disadvantaged young people across the country are given a platform to reach their goals.
In 2020, The Foundation launched an Education Support Programme that’s committed to supporting 250,000 young people. It does this through providing laptops and subsidised maths, English and Science tuition classes to students adversely affected by the enforced lockdowns, which worsened the attainment gap.
GV Scholarship Programme
The financial barriers caused by rising tuition fees and higher living costs mean that for many young people university is simply out of reach.
“I believe that every individual must play their part in helping the next generation, this is just one of the ways I am able to do this.”
As a result, in 2015 Tevin established the GV Scholarship Programme, providing underprivileged and disadvantaged young people with scholarships and career development support to help them reach their desired goals.
In 2011, Tevin Tobun was appointed the chair of 'Inspirational You', a London-based social enterprise dedicated to motivating and empowering young people to become successful leaders.
As Chair, he has overseen over 50 enterprise workshop and forum events, reaching more than 10,000 individuals. These events provide mentoring, business forums, and workshops designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders.
Board Member - Middlesex University
A member of the board since 2016, Tevin has played a pivotal role in developing the University’s strategic vision.
With 60% of the university coming from ethnic minority backgrounds, Tevin works closely with fellow board members to develop tailored programmes to identify and support those who face barriers to their educational success.
Council Member - Open University
Tevin serves as a Council member at The Open University, which boasts the largest student population in the UK. In this role, he helps oversee the university's operations, shape its future direction, and ensure the successful delivery of its strategic vision.
He regularly contributes to university workshops and events, with a keen focus on employment opportunities for students.