March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man to host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, bringing together business leaders, innovators and policymakers from Celtic nations including the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia to strengthen economic ties at the Villa Marina on April 16.
The full-day event, hosted by Business Isle of Man, starts at 9:00 a.m. and features keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies on AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing and community engagement. Initial tickets sold out, prompting a move to a larger venue at the Villa Marina complex, including the Royal Albert Hall.
Key Speakers and Highlights
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lloyds Bank International. A spotlight will feature Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, aligning with the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, stated:
“The Interceltic Business Forum is an important opportunity to bring together business and policy leaders from across the Celtic nations. Hosting the Spring Forum underlines the Isle of Man’s role as a connected and collaborative place to do business, as well as a dynamic environment that encourages innovation, ideas and creativity.”
Chris Murphy, founder and CEO of Albion Knitting Company, added:
“The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism… It’s also a great opportunity to showcase what manufacturing on the Isle of Man can achieve today.”
Charles Kergaravat, founder of the Interceltic Business Forum, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Interceltic Business Forum to the Isle of Man for the first time—not only to build deeper connections with another Celtic region, but to showcase the impressive innovation and momentum emerging from the island.”
Background and Previous Events
This marks the Isle of Man to host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time following successful editions in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall. The Isle of Man’s status as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere positions it as a hub for innovation and sustainability, according to organizers.
The forum provides a platform for networking, idea-sharing and commercial opportunities among Celtic regions, with an evening reception and cultural excursions planned.
Registration and Coverage
Free tickets are available on a limited basis via Eventbrite. Regional media, including Manx.News and Energy FM News, shared the announcement on X, noting the gathering next month. Additional promotion comes from Finance Isle of Man and others.
For related Celtic events, see the Celtic Congress Cornwall post sitemap.