March 16, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — Business Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, at the expanded Villa Marina venue, including the Royal Hall, due to high demand from sell-out initial tickets. The event will gather business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic nations—including the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia—to discuss opportunities in AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and diaspora engagement.
The forum, detailed in announcements from the Isle of Man Government and Business Isle of Man, highlights the island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and strengths in engineering and manufacturing, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.
Event Details and Agenda
Originally set for the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite, the venue has been upgraded to accommodate growing interest, as noted in Manx News coverage. Free tickets are available via Eventbrite, with a full-day program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies on Celtic economic opportunities. An evening reception and factory tours, such as at the Albion Knitting Company, are planned.
The Interceltic Business Forum site emphasizes networking and partnership-building, marking the Isle of Man’s entry after prior events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall.
Key Speakers and Participants
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. A case study will feature The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, showcasing luxury knitwear manufacturing.
Official Statements
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 & 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.
Charles Kergaravat, Founder of the Interceltic Business Forum, remarked:
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.
Background and Coverage
This first-time hosting by the Isle of Man reflects momentum in cross-Celtic collaboration, with additional mentions in sector outlets like IT Brief UK and social media promotions. The event aligns with the island’s Our Island Plan, promoting economic growth through innovation.