Real insights from the Interceltic Business Forum: Was it all talk, or a true platform for cross-border collaboration and business impact?
“Is this just another talk shop or something with real outcomes?”
“What’s the real impact beyond flags, music, and a few speeches?”
“Do events like this make a measurable difference for entrepreneurs and local economies?”
These are the kinds of questions we heard and asked ourselves leading up to the Interceltic Business Forum.
And frankly, they’re fair questions. It’s easy to romanticize collaboration across Celtic nations. The shared heritage, the cultural pride, the symbolism, it’s all powerful. But when it comes to business? Growth? Innovation? Trade? Those require more than goodwill. They require intention, follow-through, and value.
So what happened when we brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and regional leaders from across the Celtic world?
We didn’t get vague promises or high-level platitudes.
We got connection. Authenticity. And in many cases — action.
From panels on clean energy and AI to startup showcases and diaspora roundtables, the Forum created space for shared experience and practical next steps.
Participants didn’t just talk, they exchanged tools, models, and contact info. Local hubs met investors. Early-stage founders met export experts. Policy teams from different nations met for the first time in person and started planning together.
There was cultural celebration, yes, but it was a framework, not a distraction. The Celtic identity didn’t replace economic focus. It reinforced it.
"Charles has created what could have just been another typical industry gathering into a must-attend experience. Make no doubt, we attended for the people but left with an award", — Christopher Weavill, CEO of Hertzian
“Still smiling. Not just because we won — but because we won as ourselves. A Welsh startup, proudly emotion-led, building something brave from a corner of the world that understands quiet power. This recognition tells us we’re not the only ones who believe that how people feel is worth measuring.” — Jonathan Prescott, Founder of Cavefish
"The enthusiasm and passion of all who participated was enormous, which now shows me that now is the right time to launch a celtic traders partnership for micro businesses." — Clive Barnard, ITSG World
"Where else could you step outside the conference room and chat and meet new people while immersing yourself in pipe bands, Breton dancing, traditional Irish folk music, a Manx DJ and French electro-pop? To all my connections, I can’t recommend this event enough" — John O'Loughlin, Head of Trade and Investment for Welsh Gov't in Ireland
Delighted PorterShed could play a small part in the Interceltic Business Forum - a truly impactful initiative driving collaboration and scaling opportunities! — Mary Rodgers, CEO of Portershed
No. It was a launchpad.
A place where Celtic regions didn’t just reflect, they aligned, acted, and moved forward.
And if the follow-up we’re already seeing is any indication, the real outcomes are only beginning.
Are you ready to join the next one?
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