Neil has been involved in barbershop since 1983. He was Assistant Chorus Director of Preston Red Rose Chorus and Sound Association in Sale before becoming Musical Director of the six times BABS Chorus Champions, The Cottontown Chorus in May 2007. He became their front line Director in May 2008.

In his first year as Director, he led them to become IABS International Chorus Champions, Radio 3 Adult Choir of the Year, European Silver Medallists and BABS Chorus Champions for a third time. In 2011 in Llandudno, he directed them to their fourth Gold Medal placing.

Neil has sung in a number of competing quartets, including 1997 finalists Wall Street, 2001 Champions Matrix and 2011 Gold Medallists Crossfire.

In July 2010, Neil took Cottontown Chorus to the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Contest in Philadelphia where he achieved impressive 14th place amongst the best choruses in the world.

Neil is heavily involved in coaching choruses and quartets both male and female up and down the UK and is especially open to bribes of curry and alcohol when selecting his coaching jobs.