Neil spent 5 years as a commission only door-to-door salesman, surviving management suicides, company liquidations, redundancy and every form of rejection known to man. He is now the founding director of a multi-million pound commercial interiors business and a commercial property landlord.

Neil’s early years were spent dreaming of joining the Royal Marines as an officer. He passed the Commando Course aged 19 but when his father died from cancer, his confidence and concentration left him and he was discharged. He went on to pass SAS(R) Selection, served as a Trooper before being promoted to Captain.

With a passion for adventure, Neil has spent the last 15 years planning, organizing and leading teams on expeditions around the world. These include the "7 SUMMITS" (the highest mountain on each continent), a sledging expedition to the North Pole, the first circumnavigation of the UK by jetski and has just returned from a recreation of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s escape from Antarctica.

Whilst climbing Mt. Everest in May 1996, Neil found himself in the "Death Zone" above 8,000m during the worst storm in the mountain’s history. He spent 48 hours in the storm, which claimed the lives of nine climbers and assisted those that were injured. Two years later he led a four man British team to the summit including the youngest Briton, 23 year old Bear Grylls.

Neil firmly believes that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things and has a knack of inspiring people to get out and achieve their own personal and professional goals and ambitions. His presentation will interest, inspire and motivate people to seek more from themselves.

"Many thanks for your inspiring talk and sharing some fabulous memories. We as a team and individuals will face many challenges in India but hope to show some of the qualities that have helped you build on your successes." Tim Boon, National Coach, English Cricket Board

"I really must congratulate you on your presentation. You put on a really interesting talk which held everyone spellbound from start to finish." Colonel J. Saville, Chief of Staff HQ, REME Training Group

"That was a wonderful talk. You pitched it exactly right for that particular audience & held us spellbound." Captain C. Baker, CBE, (RN), Chairman, Royal British Legion

"Neil is an inspirational speaker and a person you can't help liking. He has a fascinating story to tell and draws relevant lessons from both success and failure." Helena Grice, Course Director, Nokia Telecommunications