March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man Government announced that the island will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite. Organized by Business Isle of Man, the full-day event brings together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic ties and explore opportunities in innovation and green growth.
The forum has been expanded to a larger venue at the Villa Marina—referred to as the Royal Albert Hall in some coverage—following a sell-out of initial tickets, signaling strong demand for cross-Celtic collaboration, according to local reports.
Event Agenda and Focus Areas
The programme features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and case studies on key topics including AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement. A spotlight will highlight the Isle of Man’s strengths in engineering and manufacturing, aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy, including the relocation of The Albion Knitting Company.
Confirmed participants include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign Trade office, and Lloyds Bank International.
Official Statements
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, emphasized the event’s significance:
‘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, stated: “We’re incredibly excited to bring the Interceltic Business Forum to the Isle of Man for the first time.”[4]
Registration and Background
Registration is available via Eventbrite, where the full agenda can be viewed; space is limited due to high demand.
This marks the first time the Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum, following prior events in Lorient (Brittany), Cardiff (Wales), Galway (Ireland), and Cornwall. The announcement ties into recent Celtic engagements, such as a February 2026 forum in Glasgow showcasing Manx language and UNESCO Biosphere status.[5] The event underscores the island’s Celtic connections and economic ambitions.[6]