March 14, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man Government and Business Isle of Man announced on March 12 that the Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina on Harris Promenade to unite business leaders, innovators and policymakers from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia in discussions on economic collaboration, trade and innovation.
The full-day event, expanded to a larger venue after initial tickets sold out, features keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking focused on AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing and diaspora engagement. Free tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Key Speakers and Agenda
Confirmed speakers include Isle of Man Chief Minister Hon. Alf Cannan MHK, Minister for Enterprise Tim Johnston MHK, Business Isle of Man CEO Kirree Gooberman, Interceltic Business Forum founder Charles Kergaravat, Cornish Council Leader Cllr Leigh Frost, Albion Knitting Company CEO Chris Murphy and representatives from Tramshed Tech, Lloyds Bank International and the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The agenda covers topics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including fireside chats on AI adoption, tourism with purpose, nature’s value, maritime state and engineering spotlights, followed by an invite-only evening reception.
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.”
Charles Kergaravat added:
“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.”
Chris Murphy of Albion Knitting Company noted the firm’s relocation to the Isle of Man as a case study.
Background and Coverage
Previous Spring forums occurred in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall, per the Interceltic Business Forum site. The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time news drew local attention, with Manx News and Energy FM News sharing coverage linking to manx.news. Regional outlets like Celtic Congress Cornwall and IT Brief UK highlighted the event’s role in Celtic economic ties.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time underscores the island’s push as a UNESCO Biosphere hub for innovation. Coverage confirms strong interest in cross-Celtic partnerships.