Dan and James Neale shot to fame as part of Britain’s Got Talent family group, The Neales. We got their take on living and working in Brum

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES

Dan: I am a senior analyst at Deutsche Bank. The majority of my career in banking has been spent in cash equities and stock loan. At the beginning of the year something quite unbelievable happened… when my dad persuaded us to audition for Britain’s Got Talent!

James: I am a senior solicitor in the Birmingham offices of international law firm DWF LLP.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

DN: James and I both live on Newhall Street in the same building (in different flats!). He will tell you that I copied him, but I think he’s just jealous of the fact I got the same flat much cheaper. For me it’s a 10-minure walk up the stunning Birmingham canal network and for James it’s a five-minute walk to DWF at One Snow Hill

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

JN: Fantastic – I never hit any traffic or have any issues finding a parking spot!

DN: Flawless (apart from when it rains).

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

DN: I love working (and playing) in Birmingham. More companies, especially in the banking sector, are realising the vast talent we have in the city and are choosing to invest here. We have so much to be proud of and long may the city continue to flourish.

JN: People are what makes a city great – we have some great people who get huge enjoyment out of seeing the region flourish.

COFFEE BREAK?

JN: I’ve been told I make a great cuppa, but unfortunately I don’t drink the stuff – it’s usually just H2O for me (during working hours). Dan doesn’t do hot drinks. He will be found in the pub rather than a coffee shop!

LUNCHTIME?

DN: I recently had a great sandwich from Anderson & Hill in Great Western Arcade and for a treat it’s a chicken burrito from Habaneros. They do excellent Mexican food from a van outside House of Fraser! If I am with a client I normally choose Primitivos on Barwick Street.

JN: And Bank in Brindleyplace is always a good shout…

POWERWALKING?

DN: Around St Paul’s Square and the JQ – that part of the city will always feel really special!

JN: Bannatyne’s gym in Brindleyplace three or four times a week.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

JN: St Paul’s Square – not many cities have such a beautiful area of land so close to the centre of town.

DN: The Hippodrome – it’s where The Neales’ first audition took place and 2,000 people gave us a standing ovation – very emotional!

AFTERWORK PINT?

JN: The Pitcher & Piano in Brindleyplace on a Friday evening. Fumo is also a nice spot that Dan, dad and I regularly go to for after work drinks.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

JN: With continual investment in the great talent and infrastructure. The regeneration of New Street station and new John Lewis store will showcase this further. Can’t wait to see it!

DN: The new tram system will be a real positive too.