Neal was born and educated in South Wales. He moved to the Christchurch area in 1988 to start various businesses offering Corporate Hospitality, Food Manufacture and Event Hire. He ran these businesses for twenty years.

Neal is a past Trustee of a national children's charity, a past Chairman of Poole Round Table and President of Christchurch Round Table. In his spare time he is involved with 41 Club, Rotary and Bransgore Cricket Club.

Neal regularly puts his body on the line for the charity having conquered his fear of heights whilst abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth and breaking his leg when taking part in an obstacle course. He's not afraid to jump in head first to a challenge but we might be wrapping him in cotton wool before sending him out for future events!