March 12, 2026 — Douglas, Isle of Man — Business Isle of Man announced that the Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, bringing together business and policy leaders from Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia for a full-day conference on April 16 at the Villa Marina.[1]
The event, expanded to a larger venue following a sell-out of initial tickets, underscores the Isle of Man’s position as a UNESCO Biosphere hub for innovation and sustainability.[2] It follows previous forums in Lorient, Cardiff, Galway and Cornwall, providing a platform to strengthen economic connections among Celtic regions.
Event Details
Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, the forum features keynote speakers, panel discussions and case studies at the Villa Marina, recently relocated to the larger Royal Hall or expanded Colonnade Suite due to high demand.[3] Free tickets are available via Eventbrite, though limited.[4]
The programme includes strategic networking, an evening reception and cultural excursions, with select delegates invited for a post-event tour of The Albion Knitting Company’s factory to view luxury knitwear manufacturing.[5]
Key Topics and Speakers
Discussions will cover AI, regenerative tourism, maritime sectors, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing and community engagement, highlighting the Isle of Man’s engineering strengths aligned with its Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy.[6] Speakers include representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramshed Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Lloyds Bank International.
A case study will feature The Albion Knitting Company’s relocation from London to the Isle of Man.
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.[7]
Chris Murphy, Founder and CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, added:
The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, and that’s exactly why Albion chose to invest here… It’s also a great opportunity to showcase what manufacturing on the Isle of Man can achieve today.[8]
Charles Kergaravat, forum founder, 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.”[9]
Kirree Gooberman, CEO of Business Isle of Man, noted the island’s Celtic heritage and progressive business environment.[10]
This Isle of Man to host Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time marks a milestone in fostering cross-border collaboration.