March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man The Isle of Man Government announced that the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Villa Marina Colonnade Suite. The event will gather business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic ties, share ideas, and explore commercial opportunities.
The forum, hosted by Business Isle of Man, expanded to a larger venue after initial tickets sold out, reflecting strong demand for cross-Celtic collaboration. It marks the first time the island, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, hosts this gathering dedicated to advancing Celtic business connections.
Event Agenda and Focus Areas
The one-day program features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies on key topics such as AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community engagement. A spotlight will highlight the Isle of Man’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, including the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International. Post-forum activities include factory tours at The Albion Knitting Company, showcasing luxury manufacturing relocated from London.
Key Quotes
“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.”
— Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise (Isle of Man Government)
“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.”
— Charles Kergarvat, Founder, Interceltic Business Forum (Interceltic Forum)
Chris Murphy, CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, emphasized the island’s entrepreneurial heritage and plans to host delegates at their facility.
Registration and Background
Registration is free but limited; available via Eventbrite. Previous forums have been held in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway, and Cornwall, as noted by Celtic Congress Cornwall. Social promotions on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram urge early sign-ups.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time underscores its position as an innovation hub amid growing Celtic economic momentum.