March 16, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man will host the first Spring Interceltic Business Forum on Thursday, April 16, at the Villa Marina in Douglas, bringing together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic nations including the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic ties and explore opportunities in technology, green growth, and manufacturing.
Organized by Business Isle of Man, an agency of the Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise, the event expanded to a larger venue at the Royal Hall or Colonnade Suite after initial tickets sold out, reflecting high demand. The full-day program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes keynote speeches, panels, and networking, followed by an invite-only evening reception at Noa Market Hall featuring Manx produce and live music. Selected delegates will tour the Albion Knitting Company factory afterward.
Key Themes and Agenda
The forum focuses on AI adoption, regenerative tourism, sustainable finance, maritime industries, advanced manufacturing, supply chains, skills development, and diaspora engagement. The Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status and engineering strengths, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, will be highlighted.
Detailed agenda highlights include a welcome by Chief Minister Hon. Alf Cannan MHK, fireside chats on AI and diaspora, sessions on tourism with purpose, nature’s value, and maritime state, plus showcases like Albion Knitting. Speakers represent the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lloyds Bank International, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Intercom, UCD, Hometree, Manx Wildlife Trust, and more, as listed on the Eventbrite page.
Official Statements
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston MHK 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 and CEO of 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, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the Interceltic Business Forum to the Isle of Man for the first time.”
Isle of Man hosts first Spring Interceltic Business Forum, as noted in announcements from the Isle of Man Government and covered by ITBrief UK. This event brings together delegates from Celtic regions including Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man to foster partnerships in economic development, technology, and green growth, per a TechDay UK post on X. Free tickets are available via Eventbrite, with few remaining.