March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man government and Business Isle of Man announced that the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite. The event unites business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic connections and explore opportunities in innovation, technology, green growth, and trade.
The forum, hosted by Business Isle of Man under the Department for Enterprise, initially sold out, prompting a relocation to a larger venue at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina, according to updates from organizers. Registration remains available via Eventbrite, with limited spaces.
Agenda and Topics
Key discussions cover AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, community and diaspora engagement, and the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy. A case study highlights The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, showcasing craftsmanship and growth. Select delegates will tour the factory post-event.
The Isle of Man positions itself as a hub for innovation, leveraging its status as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere.
Speakers and Networking
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. The day features keynote speeches, panels, strategic networking, an evening reception at Noa Market Hall with Manx produce and live music, and optional cultural excursions.
Official Reactions
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said:
‘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, Founder of the Interceltic Business Forum, stated:
“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.”
This Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time marks a milestone in Celtic economic collaboration, following events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall, as covered by Celtic Congress Cornwall.