March 14, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — The Isle of Man government announced on March 12 that the island will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time[1] on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina. The event will gather business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to discuss opportunities in AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community engagement.
Hosted by Business Isle of Man, the full-day conference underscores the island’s strengths in engineering and manufacturing, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy. Initial tickets sold out, prompting expansion to a larger venue due to high demand.
Key Participants and Agenda
Representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International will participate, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies. A spotlight will feature The Albion Knitting Company‘s relocation from London to the Isle of Man, with selected delegates invited to tour the factory afterward.
The Isle of Man, the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, positions itself as a hub for innovation and sustainability, as noted by the Interceltic Business Forum.
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.’[1]
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.’[2]
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.”[4]
Registration and Additional Coverage
Registration is available via Eventbrite, starting at 9:00 a.m. Coverage appears on sites like Celtic Congress Cornwall, confirming the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time as a milestone for Celtic collaboration.