March 13, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on April 16, bringing together business leaders, innovators and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia to strengthen economic collaboration.
Hosted by Business Isle of Man, the event at the Villa Marina in Douglas expanded to a larger venue following a sell-out of initial tickets, reflecting strong demand for cross-Celtic partnerships. The announcement came on March 12 from the Isle of Man Government.
Event Details
The full-day program, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes keynote speeches, panel discussions and case studies on key sectors: AI, regenerative tourism, maritime, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and diaspora engagement. An invite-only evening reception follows at Noa Market Hall.
The forum spotlights the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, featuring Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London.
Key Speakers
Confirmed speakers include Isle of Man Chief Minister Hon. Alf Cannan MHK, Interceltic Business Forum founder Charles Kergaravat, Business Isle of Man CEO Kirree Gooberman, Cornish Council Leader Cllr Leigh Frost, and representatives from Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. Others feature CEOs from Údarás na Gaeltachta, Intercom, Hometree, Manx Wildlife Trust, and Western Development Commission.
Official Reactions
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, CEO of The 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.”
The event follows previous forums in locations like Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall, as noted in local coverage.
Registration is available via Eventbrite, with limited free tickets remaining. For more on the Isle of Man hosting, see Interceltic Business Forum site.