March 14, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall, drawing business leaders, innovators and policymakers from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia, after initial tickets sold out prompting a move to a larger venue, according to the Isle of Man Government and Business Isle of Man.
Organized by Business Isle of Man within the Department for Enterprise, the event aims to strengthen economic connections among Celtic regions through keynotes, panels and case studies. Registration remains open via Eventbrite with limited spaces.
Key Topics and Speakers
The forum will address AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, community and diaspora engagement, as well as the Isle of Man’s engineering and manufacturing strengths under its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy. A featured case study highlights The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, showcasing luxury knitwear production.
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lloyds Bank International, per Manx News and IT Brief UK.
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, founder and CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, added:
“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.”
Charles Kergaravat, forum founder, remarked on the significance for inter-Celtic ties, as covered by Celtic Congress Cornwall.
Additional Activities
The day includes an evening reception at Noa Market Hall featuring Manx produce, hospitality and live music by Manx group Scran. Select delegates will tour the Albion factory, with optional next-day excursions highlighting the island’s UNESCO Biosphere, landscape, culture and business environment, according to Finance Isle of Man and other reports.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time underscores growing interest in Celtic economic collaboration, following previous events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall.