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.
Can you tell us about your current role?
BBS&Co provide consulting to firms who want to expand, looking for new business, nurturing clients, helping clients with multimedia design, pay per click, app development and sales and marketing. Everything is executed ensuring all deadlines are met and providing excellent customer service, as people buy people not products; so we ensure there is a smiling face in front of our clients.
How did your BSc Business Management degree prepare you for your career?
The degree provided me with a strong foundation and all the aspects of creating and nurturing a business such as Marketing, HR and International Business.
What has been your greatest achievement so far in your career?
Being the founder of Tayaba.org which is an NGO which aspires to help water deprived communities in Pakistan. We target areas where women have to travel long distances to carry water. We supply a H2O wheel, which is a device that can hold 40 litres of water that has impacted the lives of 20,000 people for the better. There are internship opportunities that students can get involved in to make a proactive effort.
And the greatest challenge?
Every day is a challenge. It is a challenge to improve myself, set new goals and work harder to impact others and leave a legacy behind. Challenge keeps us motivated if there was no challenge; there would be no purpose.
What would your advice be to someone wanting to start their own business or charity?
be ambitious, take as many risks as you can as this is the best period where you can go all out. Do not follow everyone else and get a graduate job. Take that risk, be patient- persevere. Put in the hard work, the long hours, sleep on the couch and you will have no regrets in life. Take that path that is less trodden upon. If you fail, you have not failed because you had the guts to do it. Fail as much as you can, this is the best time to fail. Fail frequently so you can get things right. Go out and do it because eventually everyone has to die so just do it.
What did you enjoy most about studying at the School of Business and Management?
The cosmopolitan culture, fellow students from different backgrounds, friendly lecturers and support staff - especially Jenny Murphy (Teaching Services Manager) - she was like a mother to me.
Where was your favourite place on campus?
I had two - Drapers Bar and Kitchen and Regent’s Canal as it is beautiful; especially in summer.
What are your interests outside of work?
Travelling; I have visited over 25 countries and I have a background in acting. Leading an impactful, meaningful life, uplifting others, creating value in whatever form it may be in business and leaving a legacy behind by helping others on their way.
What are your hopes and plans for the next 5 years?
Impact the lives of hundreds of thousands with Tayaba.org, challenging myself to create one of the most impactful businesses in my industry and be the best at what I am doing whilst helping as many people as I can.
How can SBM students and graduates help you with your current projects?
They can apply for internships/volunteering in any of the projects. Feel free to check our social media and contact us for more information.