The Isle of Man, the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time this April.
On Thursday 16 April 2026, the Isle of Man will welcome business leaders, innovators and policymakers from across the Celtic nations for the Spring Interceltic Business Forum.
The Forum is a conference dedicated to strengthening economic connections between Celtic regions, providing a platform for the nations to connect, share ideas and explore new commercial opportunities.
As the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, the Isle of Man offers a distinctive environment for innovation, collaboration and the testing of new ideas and technologies. Hosted by Business Isle of Man, the event is being held on the Island for the first time.
Following a sell-out of initial tickets, the event has expanded to a larger venue, reflecting strong demand and growing momentum behind cross-Celtic collaboration.
The event will feature a range of speakers, including representatives from the Scottish Business Network, Cornwall Council, Tramsheds Tech Ltd, the Irish Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Lloyds Bank International.
The full-day programme features keynote speakers, panel discussions and case study presentations focused on the biggest opportunities for the Celtic economy. These include AI, regenerative tourism, maritime, sustainable finance, advanced manufacturing, as well as community and diaspora engagement.
The Forum will also spotlight the Isle of Man’s strengths in engineering and manufacturing, aligned with the Island’s Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Strategy and Action Plan, which will include a spotlight on The Albion Knitting Company.’s successful relocation from London to the Island.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented: “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.”
Chris Murphy, Founder & CEO at 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 Interceltic Business Forum, we’re looking forward to sharing how TThe 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."
The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea, 25 miles off the northwest coast of England, and can be reached in as little as 45 minutes by plane or ferry. Renowned for its natural beauty and strong sense of community, the Island is the world’s first entire nation to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Business Isle of Man is an executive Agency within the Isle of Man Government’s Department for Enterprise and was created to facilitate the support, development and promotion of key sectors involved in the export of physical goods and related services from the Isle of Man, and those operating within the local economy. The agency supports businesses across the built environment, cleantech, engineering and manufacturing, food and drink and the local economy.
The Isle of Man, the world’s first whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, will host the Spring Interceltic Business Forum for the first time this April.
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