About
A Story of Three Generations
From a grandfather's journey to Scotland in the 1940s, to leading the Indian community across the United Kingdom today — this is a family built on service, resilience, and bridges.
Heritage
The Lal Family Legacy
A Journey Begins
Neil's grandfather, Shri Tarsem Lal, makes the journey from India to Scotland — arriving with little more than his values and his work ethic. He builds a life, a business, and a family rooted in both Scottish and Indian culture.
Lal & Co Grows
Neil's father, Shri Alistair Shiv Lal, grows the family business into a respected enterprise. Mother Kusam Lata Lal becomes the family's moral compass and pillar of strength — a role she holds to this day.
Neil Lal is Born
Born and raised in Scotland, Neil is shaped from the earliest age by the confluence of two great cultures. Scottish resilience and Indian values of family, service, and community define who he becomes.
Building the Empire & the Mission
Neil builds a business empire — now multiple active UK companies under the Lal Sharma Group banner, spanning real estate, venture capital, and investment. Simultaneously, he rises to lead the Indian Council of Scotland and the UK.
A Historic Moment
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement is signed. Neil Lal stands at the centre of the national conversation — twice named Man of the Decade, and positioned as Scotland's most credible voice for the India opportunity.
Personal
The Man Behind the Mission
Family
Neil is married to Pooja Lal — his partner in life and an integral part of everything he does. Together they have two children. His mother, Kusam Lata Lal, remains the family's emotional anchor and pillar of strength.
Business
Director of multiple active UK companies under the Lal Sharma Group banner, spanning real estate and venture capital. Glasgow-headquartered, with interests across the United Kingdom. A business empire built on three generations of Lal family values.
Community
As Chairman & President of the Indian Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom, Neil represents over 2 million Indian-origin people in the UK — to government, to diplomats, and to the world.
Positions
Leadership Roles
Chairman & President
Indian Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom
Representing over 2 million Indian-origin people across the UK. The principal voice of the Indian community in Scotland at government, diplomatic, and civic levels.
Patron
Together UK Foundation
Alongside Baroness Arlene Foster and Lady Jane Grosvenor, championing cross-community unity and shared British values. A foundation that brings diverse communities together.
Board Member
Variety, the Children's Charity Scotland
Committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across Scotland — a cause close to Neil's heart.
Voluntary Ambassador
Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
Appointed in June 2026 to support leadership development, youth service, and international partnership building across The Boys' Brigade global network.
Founder & Backer
Lal Sharma Foundation
The family foundation funds a hospital in India, orphanages, schools, elder care centres, and rural healthcare projects. The family legacy of service, continued.
“My grandfather came to Scotland with nothing but his values and his work ethic. Everything we have built since then is because of the generosity of this country.”
— Neil Lal