March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man Government announced that the island will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall. The event, relocated to a larger venue due to sell-out demand, will gather business leaders, innovators and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia to discuss economic collaboration in sectors including AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance and advanced manufacturing.
Organized by Business Isle of Man, part of the Department for Enterprise, the full-day program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. features keynote sessions, panel discussions and case studies, as detailed on the Eventbrite page.
Agenda Highlights
The agenda includes a welcome by Chief Minister Hon. Alf Cannan MHK, Charles Kergaravat (forum founder) and Kirree Gooberman, CEO of Business Isle of Man. Sessions cover AI adoption, hybrid innovation, purposeful tourism, nature’s value, maritime state, engineering and manufacturing—spotlighting The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation—and diaspora engagement. An evening reception at Noa Market Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will feature Manx produce and live music by Scran, with optional factory tours and island activities the next day.
Key Speakers
Confirmed speakers include Cllr. Leigh Frost (Cornwall Council), Tomás Ó Síocháin (Údarás na Gaeltachta), Declan Ivory (Intercom), Harry O’Rahilly (Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office), Liam Cronin (UCD), Mark John (Tramshed Tech), Matt Smith (Hometree), Graham Makepeace-Warner (Manx Wildlife Trust), Alan Costello (Natural Capital Ireland), Nigel Cheesley (Lloyds Bank International), Mary McKenna (Awaken Angels), Aisling Moroney (Western Development Commission), Nicola Lloyd (Global Cornish), Allan Mulrooney (Western Development Commission) and representatives from the Scottish Business Network.
Official Statements
Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston MHK 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. We are pleased to welcome delegates to the Island and to support conversations that will help shape future partnerships and practical collaboration across the Celtic world.[1]
Chris Murphy, founder and CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, said:
The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, and that’s exactly why Albion chose to invest here… It’s also a great opportunity to showcase what manufacturing on the Isle of Man can achieve today.[3]
Registration and Coverage
Registration is available via Eventbrite, with limited spots. The announcement received local coverage from Manx.News and IT Brief UK, and features prominently on the Celtic Congress Cornwall site, which describes the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time as a milestone for Celtic ties.