March 14, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man Government announced on March 12 that the island will Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, gathering business leaders, innovators and policymakers from Celtic nations including the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia. The event is set for Thursday, April 16, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite in Douglas, hosted by Business Isle of Man to strengthen economic ties through discussions on AI, sustainable finance and advanced manufacturing.
The forum moved to a larger venue after initial tickets sold out, reflecting high demand for cross-Celtic collaboration, according to the official announcement.
Event Details
The full-day program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions and case studies focused on key opportunities in the Celtic economy: AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing and community engagement. A spotlight will feature the Isle of Man’s engineering strengths, including the relocation of Albion Knitting Company from London. Post-event factory tours are planned for select delegates.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite, with limited spots and sponsorship opportunities noted by Finance Isle of Man.
Speakers and Participants
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lloyds Bank International. The gathering underscores the Isle of Man’s role as the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, blending economic development with sustainability.
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 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, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the Interceltic Business Forum to the Isle of Man for the first time.”
Background and Coverage
Previous forums were held in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall. Local media, including Manx.News, covered the news, shared by @EnergyFMNews and @ManxNewsOnline. The event aligns with the Isle of Man’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.