T. W. Allen

Sir Thomas William Allen (6 February 1864 – 24 November 1943) was a British co-operator.

Biography Allen was born in Abertillery, Monmouthshire, Wales. His father, Thomas Allen, was a Baptist minister. After leaving school he worked for the Tillery Colliery office where he apprenticed in a grocery store. After completing his apprenticeship he began working for the Abertillery Co-operative Society which later merged with the Blaina Co-operative Industrial Society.

In 1906 he became a director of the Co-operative Insurance Society and in 1910 became a director of the English Co-operative Wholesale Society, holding both positions until 1933. He was chairman of the Consumers' Council during the First World War and was knighted in 1919 for his wartime work. He served as President of the English Co-operative Wholesale Society from 1929 to 1933.