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 Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite.
Hosted by Business Isle of Man, the event aims to strengthen economic ties, facilitate idea-sharing and explore commercial opportunities among Celtic regions. Initial tickets sold out, prompting a move to a larger venue due to strong demand.
Event Focus and Programme
The full-day forum will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies on key sectors such as AI, regenerative tourism, maritime, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement. It will highlight the Isle of Man’s strengths in engineering and manufacturing under its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy and Action Plan, including a spotlight on The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London.
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. The day concludes with a networking evening at Noa Market Hall, featuring Manx food, drink and live music by Scran.
Official Reactions
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, added:
“The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, and that’s exactly why Albion chose to invest here. At the Spring Interceltic Business Forum, we’re looking forward to sharing how The Albion Knitting Company has built a globally respected luxury knitwear manufacturing business… 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, commented:
“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
This marks the first Isle of Man hosting of the forum, following events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall. The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time announcement has been covered by outlets including IT Brief UK and Biosphere.im. Registration is available via Eventbrite.