March 13, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall and Colonnade Suite, 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 AI, sustainable finance and more.
Organized by Business Isle of Man under the Department for Enterprise, the event expanded to a larger venue after initial tickets sold out, reflecting high demand for cross-Celtic collaboration, according to the Isle of Man Government announcement.
Event Highlights
The full-day program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking and case studies on key sectors such as AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, advanced manufacturing, sustainable finance and community/diaspora engagement. A spotlight will feature the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, including a presentation on The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London, with a post-event factory tour for select delegates.
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lloyds Bank International. An evening reception at Noa Market Hall will offer Manx produce, hospitality and live music, with optional next-day excursions highlighting the island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and culture.
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 and CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, commented:
“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, 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.”
Background and Registration
Previous forums have been held in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall. The Isle of Man, the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, positions itself as a hub for innovation. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, with the full agenda listed there.