Isle of Man hosts first spring interceltic business forum

The Isle of Man will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across the Celtic nations for a full-day programme in Douglas.

The event will take place at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina. It has been moved to the larger venue after initial tickets sold out. Delegates are expected from the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia.

The forum is positioned as a platform for strengthening economic links between Celtic regions. The programme includes keynote sessions, panel discussions and case studies on AI, regenerative tourism, maritime industries, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, and community and diaspora engagement.

The Isle of Man is promoting its status as the world's first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere as part of the setting for the gathering. The event also reflects a wider focus on collaboration across smaller economies and regions, where cross-border networks can influence trade, investment and sector development.

Business Isle of Man is hosting the forum. The agency sits within the Isle of Man Government's Department for Enterprise and works across engineering and manufacturing, cleantech, food and drink, the built environment and the local economy.

Programme focus

The agenda spans technology and industrial policy, as well as finance and tourism. AI is one theme, alongside practical issues such as supply chains, skills and industrial capability. Sustainable finance and regenerative tourism reflect growing attention to environmental considerations in economic planning across the Irish Sea and Atlantic-facing regions.

Maritime industries form another strand, particularly relevant to island and coastal communities. Advanced manufacturing is also scheduled, linking regional growth ambitions to production capacity, specialist skills, and the ability of smaller jurisdictions to attract and retain firms.

The speaker list includes representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramsheds Tech, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International, highlighting an emphasis on policy, private sector investment and business networks.

Manufacturing spotlight

A section of the programme will focus on the Isle of Man's engineering and manufacturing base, aligned with the Island's Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy and Action Plan.

A case study will feature The Albion Knitting Company, which relocated from London to the Isle of Man. The firm is expected to discuss its experience of manufacturing on the Island and its approach to growth and partnerships.

Delegates will also have the option of visiting Albion's factory after the forum, with a tour billed as a chance to see its production processes and workforce.

Tim Johnston, Minister for Enterprise, said the forum offers a chance for business and policy leaders to meet across the Celtic nations.

"The Interceltic Business Forum is an important opportunity to bring together business and policy leaders from across the Celtic nations. Hosting the 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," said Johnston.

Chris Murphy, Founder & CEO of The Albion Knitting Company, said the decision to invest on the Island followed what he described as a local tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism.

"The Isle of Man has a long tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism, and that's exactly why Albion chose to invest here. At the Interceltic Business Forum, we're looking forward to sharing how The Albion Knitting Company has built a globally respected luxury knitwear manufacturing business, consciously making the decision to move our business to the Isle of Man. We've combined heritage craftsmanship with modern capability, flexibility, and trusted partnerships with leading global brands - and moving here has allowed us to continue to grow."

"It's also a great opportunity to showcase what manufacturing on the Isle of Man can achieve today. Following the Forum, we're delighted to be welcoming selected forum delegates to our factory so they can see first-hand the skill, technology, and people behind one of the world's leading luxury knitwear manufacturers, and the role businesses like Albion play in creating jobs, developing skills, and supporting the Island's long-term economic future," said Murphy.

Networking events

An evening reception will run alongside the main conference programme at Noa Market Hall, featuring Manx produce and hospitality, with live traditional music from Manx group Scran.

Optional activities are also planned for visiting delegates the following day, with an itinerary expected to highlight the Island's landscape, culture and business environment.