March 15, 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 on April 16 at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall, expanded from the Colonnade Suite due to sell-out demand.
The event, organized by Business Isle of Man, will bring together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Galicia to strengthen economic ties among Celtic nations.
Event Focus and Agenda
The full-day program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and case studies on key opportunities such as AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement. The forum will highlight the Isle of Man’s strengths in engineering and manufacturing under its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.
A case study will feature The Albion Knitting Company, which relocated from London, showcasing its luxury knitwear production. Select delegates will tour the factory post-event.
Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International.
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 The Albion Knitting Company, commented:
The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, and that’s exactly why Albion chose to invest here. At the Spring Interceltic Business Forum, we’re looking forward to sharing how The Albion Knitting Company has built a globally respected luxury knitwear manufacturing business… It’s also a great opportunity to showcase what manufacturing on the Isle of Man can achieve today.
Additional Details
An evening reception at Noa Market Hall will feature Manx produce, hospitality, and live music. Optional next-day activities will showcase the island’s landscape, culture, and business environment. Tickets are available via Eventbrite.
The Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time marks a milestone in Celtic collaboration, as reported by IT Brief UK and local outlets like Manx.News.