About us
Recognition, connection and enterprise — since 2005.
The World Tamil Organisation (UK) is a business awards and network group, founded in London in 2005. We exist to honour excellence, connect decision-makers and grow enterprise.
Our story
From a London founding to a global network
The World Tamil Organisation (UK) was founded in 2005 by Jacob Ravibalan, with a simple conviction: that Tamil business achievers deserve to be recognised, and that they should be connected to one another.
What began as a single awards evening has grown into a year-round programme of conferences, networking and business programmes — spanning enterprise, medicine, technology, tourism and women's empowerment.
Today, WTO (UK) is a national business network. Our conferences bring together hundreds of delegates each year, our awards have honoured remarkable people across four continents, and our members continue to build companies, careers and trade links.
Our purposes
What we exist to do
Our work is guided by four founding purposes.
Recognise business excellence
Honouring founders, executives and professionals whose results set the standard — through national awards judged on merit.
Connect decision-makers
Bringing entrepreneurs, investors, clinicians and technologists into the same room, several times a year.
Open markets and trade links
Creating routes to new customers, partners and capital across the UK and international Tamil business network.
Develop the next generation
Mentoring, panels and the Women's Network — helping emerging leaders build businesses and careers that last.
Milestones
Our journey so far
Founded in London
World Tamil Organisation (UK) was established on 1 May 2005, beginning a journey that grew into international business, professional and institutional engagement.
International and institutional relationships
WTO established formal contact with the High Commission of India in the UK and began working closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu, strengthening links between Tamil Nadu and the UK.
Business network and first Parliament event
The UK Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce was established to strengthen trade links, and WTO hosted its first Global Economic Conference at the UK Parliament.
WTO Business Network and UKWNet
UKTNCC became the WTO Business Network, broadening its international focus. UKWNet Women's Network was established as a dedicated platform for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
India–UK leadership and institutional engagement
WTO joined the organising committee for the major India–UK event during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, then began working with the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai.
Sector awards and global summits expand
Global Economic Development recognition was followed by the Global Medical Excellence Awards and the Global Information Technology Summit u0026amp; Awards.
Hospitality, food and tourism recognised
The Global Hospitality, Food u0026amp; Tourism Achievement Awards were established to recognise excellence across this international sector.
Educational leadership joins the programme
The Global Educational Leadership Achievement Awards launched in London, recognising outstanding leadership and contribution in education.
Annual global summit and awards platforms
WTO brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics and institutions across sectors for recognition, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Global Economic & Fortune Founders Summit
The proposed summit will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and global stakeholders to explore international collaboration and economic growth.
Our impact in numbers
Behind every number is a story — of a business launched, a career changed, a life recognised.
Countries networked
Connections across a growing international network
High-level delegates
Business leaders, professionals and institutions connected
Tamil families in the UK
Reached through cultural, professional and community engagement
Summits u0026amp; programmes
International business and professional platforms delivered
Achievers recognised
Entrepreneurs, professionals and global talent celebrated
How the network works
A room you can actually do business in
Membership is deliberately mixed. A founder scaling a logistics firm sits next to a consultant surgeon, a hotelier and a software engineer — and every one of them is a potential customer, supplier, investor or introduction.
We keep the format practical: short keynotes, honest panels, structured introductions and a decent dinner. No filler, no queues for a business card.
- Six annual conferences across six sectors
- Quarterly City of London networking receptions
- Trade delegations and international introductions
- Mentoring for founders in their first three years
Recognition
Why the awards sit at the centre of everything
Recognition is not a nice-to-have. For a growing business it is credibility — with banks, buyers, boards and the people you are trying to hire.
Our awards are judged independently against published criteria, giving outstanding work credible international recognition.
- Nominate in five minutes, at no cost
- Independent panel, published criteria
- Shortlist coverage across our media
- Lifetime place on the Wall of Fame
In pictures
The story, in London
Get started
Bring your business into the room
Membership, sponsorship and nominations are all open. Tell us what you're building and we'll point you to the right door.