March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man government and Business Isle of Man announced Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at the Royal Albert Hall in the Villa Marina. The venue shifted from the Colonnade Suite due to initial tickets selling out from high demand.
The forum unites business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to foster economic collaboration and innovation. Topics include AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and diaspora engagement, aligning with the island’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.
Key Speakers and Sessions
Speakers feature representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. A case study highlights The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, showcasing manufacturing capabilities.
The event, hosted by Business Isle of Man, includes keynote addresses, panels, and networking. Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time emphasizes the island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and Celtic heritage, as noted in local coverage (Biosphere.im).
Official Statements
“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.”
— Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise [gov.im]
Chris Murphy, Founder & 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.”
Selected delegates will tour the factory post-forum.
Evening Reception and Registration
An evening reception at Noa Market Hall will feature Manx produce and live music by Scran. Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time builds on prior events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall, per the Interceltic Business Forum site.
Free tickets, limited due to demand, are available via Eventbrite. The announcement gained traction via Manx News on X.
Background
Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time positions the island as a hub for Celtic collaboration, leveraging its innovation ecosystem. Previous forums strengthened ties across regions; this debut underscores growing momentum, as reported across local outlets.