March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, welcoming business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia on April 16, 2026, at Villa Marina. The event aims to strengthen economic connections, share ideas, and explore commercial opportunities in areas like AI, regenerative tourism, maritime, sustainable finance, and advanced manufacturing.
The announcement from the Isle of Man Government and Business Isle of Man notes that initial tickets sold out, prompting an expansion to a larger venue due to strong demand for cross-Celtic collaboration.
Event Overview
Hosted by Business Isle of Man, the full-day programme includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies. It spotlights the Isle of Man’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy and Action Plan, featuring Albion Knitting Company’s relocation from London. The island’s status as the first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere positions it as an innovation hub, according to the Interceltic Business Forum.
The Finance Isle of Man event listing promotes it as a gathering for entrepreneurs focused on collaboration and networking.
Speakers and Agenda
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. Topics cover community and diaspora engagement alongside economic growth opportunities.
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 Albion Knitting Company, commented:
“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.”
Charles Kergaravat, Founder of the Interceltic Business Forum, 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.”
Additional Coverage
Local outlet Manx.News reported on the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time. UK tech site IT Brief highlighted tech and green growth ties, shared in an X post by @techday_uk.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite.