Bilal Bin Saqib is the founder and director of BBS&Co, a digital marketing agency with clients in the UK and overseas. When Bilal is not travelling for work, he dedicates his time to fundraising for Tayaba.org a non-profit organisation he founded that has changed the lives of over 20,000 people living in water-deprived communities in Pakistan.
Bilal recently co-founded One Million Meals, which provides free meals to NHS workers on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis. Bilal was also recently named one of Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2020 (Asia).
How did you get started in your career?
I graduated from university in 2011 and managed to join a small but successful company where I helped them expand the business and develop an international presence to over 27 countries. This was an amazing opportunity to apply my skills and learn new ones as well as get experience in different markets. Although this was only an internship, it enabled me to learn a lot and provided me with a base for my future ventures.
What is a highlight of your career?
My highlight so far has been to be featured in the Forbes Under 30 – Asia – Social Entrepreneurs 2020. I was featured as the co-founder of Tayaba which aims to help water deprived families in Pakistan by providing them with our innovative H2O wheel that carries and filters up to 40 litres of water. It ensures transportation of up to 5x more water to homes and food gardens, positively affecting over 40,000 lives. Tayaba has recently also been endorsed by the Government of Pakistan.
How would you describe the type of work that you do each day? Why is it important?
I am an entrepreneur so I have multiple ventures going on all at the same time so my work differs day to day which is both exciting and challenging! For example, I got together a group of like minded individuals and started the ‘One Million Meals ‘campaign. The campaign provides key workers like NHS staff, police, school staff, and fire fighters with free meals during the COVID-19 crisis, by raising funds and working with food platforms, food chains and restaurants.
What does an average workday look like to you?
I work very long hours with many of my days being up to 14 hours long. I spend a lot of time in both Pakistan and London so I have to effectively work in 2 different time zones; it is hard but not impossible! My passion for what I do and the satisfaction I get keeps me going everyday without a fail.
What has been the greatest hurdle for you to overcome?
My greatest hurdle so far has been my Dyslexia. I didn’t do very well in school and came out with many D’s and C’s but despite that, I worked hard and graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
What is the best thing about your job?
I have no job! I work for myself and love the freedom I get from it. I have many things going on and work long hours but being my own boss is something I love.
What are your plans for the future?
I have many plans for the future and will be launching my own start up in Pakistan as well as continuing to develop my current initiatives and my company BBS & Co. I want to leave the world in a better place than I found it in and that is my motto.
How do you unwind?
In the time I have between work, I love reading and am especially keen on reading autobiographies of inspirational individuals from all walks of life. I also enjoy horse riding and archery.
