March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man 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 Royal Hall in the Villa Marina. This event brings together business representatives from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia, hosted by Business Isle of Man, following a venue upgrade from the Colonnade Suite due to selling out.https://www.facebook.com/businessisleofman/posts/we-sold-out-but-good-news-weve-now-moved-to-the-royal-hall-at-the-villa-marina-t/1249721263958043
The forum marks the first time the Isle of Man hosts this gathering of business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic regions, focusing on strengthening economic ties through discussions on AI, regenerative tourism, maritime, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community engagement.https://www.gov.im/news/2026/mar/12/isle-of-man-to-host-spring-interceltic-business-forum-for-the-first-time
Event Highlights
The program features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and case studies, with representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. A spotlight will be on the Isle of Man’s Albion Knitting Company, which relocated from London, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern manufacturing. Post-event activities include factory tours, an evening reception, and optional cultural excursions.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time aligns with the island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, positioning it as a hub for sustainable growth and innovation.
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
“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.”
— Charles Kergaravat, Founder, Interceltic Business Forum
Chris Murphy, Founder and CEO of Albion Knitting Company, highlighted the island’s manufacturing strengths:
‘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.’
This event brings together business representatives from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia, hosted by Business Isle of Man, with limited tickets available via Eventbrite.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time underscores growing Celtic business collaboration, following previous forums in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall.