March 13, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, bringing together business leaders, innovators and policymakers from the Celtic nations, including the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia, at the Villa Marina’s Royal Albert Hall or Colonnade Suite.
The conference, hosted by Business Isle of Man, aims to strengthen economic connections, facilitate idea-sharing and explore commercial opportunities across these regions. Initial tickets sold out, prompting a move to a larger venue amid strong demand for cross-Celtic collaboration, as reported by Manx News.
Event Programme
The full-day agenda features keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies on key opportunities such as AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement. 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 highlight the Isle of Man’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, including the relocation of Albion Knitting Company from London. Select delegates will tour the factory post-event.
Registration is available via Eventbrite, with limited spaces.
Official Statements
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. 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.”
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, commented:
“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
This marks the first Isle of Man hosting of the Spring edition, following prior events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall. The Isle of Man, the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, positions itself as a hub for innovation and sustainability, as noted in Celtic Congress Cornwall coverage. Local news accounts on X, including @EnergyFMNews and @ManxNewsOnline, promoted the announcement on March 12.