March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man Government announced Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite in Douglas. The full-day event aims to unite business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic ties and explore commercial opportunities.
The forum, hosted by Business Isle of Man, expanded to a larger venue, such as the Royal Hall or Colonnade Suite, following a sell-out of initial tickets at the Villa Marina. This reflects strong demand for cross-Celtic collaboration.
Program and Topics
The agenda includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies on key sectors: AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement. A spotlight will feature the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, including 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 event also offers networking, an evening reception, and factory tours for select delegates.
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, 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
This marks the first Isle of Man edition following events in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall. The Island’s status as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere underscores its focus on sustainability and innovation. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Local coverage from Manx News and Celtic Congress Cornwall echoes the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time significance, highlighting economic and tech growth potential across Celtic regions.