Aatif is the founder and chairman of Dukes Education - one of Europe's largest and fastest-growing education providers. In addition, he also founded Cavendish Education - a provider of schools for pupils with autism and dyslexia. 

He has a first-class degree in Mathematics, is a chartered accountant and held a British Army commission. He was awarded the Freedom of the City of London for services to education. Aatif is also a trustee of The Queen's Reading Room, CReSTeD (dyslexia accreditation) and St. James Independent Schools.

Aatif is a Trustee of the British Asian Trust.