Community and business leaders from the Celtic nations; Ireland, Brittany, Scotland and Wales, are set to make the pilgrimage west this spring, following the announcement that the upcoming Interceltic Business Forum will be held in Galway on April 19, in the Portershed.
Heading west for the first time, Galway’s status as a host city for the upcoming Interceltic Business Forum was announced yesterday (Wednesday ) by the Western Development Commission (WDC ). The decision to hold the forum in Galway marks an ‘important milestone in the event’s continued growth’, demonstrating the ‘commitment of economic actors and partners to work together’.
Previously held in Lorient, France and Cardiff, Wales, the Interceltic Business Forum has gained a reputation for being a ‘must-attend event’ for business leaders from Celtic nations who are ‘seeking to promote innovation, economic development, and international partnerships’. The event brings together speakers, Government agencies and a range of companies from the Celtic regions, the upcoming Galway event is promised to be ‘even richer in networking opportunities, knowledge sharing and exploration of new economic horizons’.
Mayor of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare will be in attendance at the forum.
Some of the key topics already planned for the event are, ‘Successfully scaling your business in periphery regions” and “Remote working and relocation: opportunities and challenges for Celtic counties’. The one-day event will also host keynote addresses from business leaders from the Scottish Government, Ireland, Cardiff Council, Lorient and others.
‘ Building connections’ and ‘unlocking partnerships’
Speaking about the announcement, Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC welcomed the news saying, “The WDC, one of the Forum’s founders, is excited to bring this event to the West of Ireland. Previous events in Wales and Brittany have proved not only to be opportunities for building connections but have unlocked partnerships for companies looking to trade or scale in other Celtic countries.
“Working with our partners on the ground including Galway Chamber, the Mayor’s office, OCO Global and others, our team are looking forward to welcoming those travelling from Brittany, Scotland, Wales and encourage those based locally to join.”
‘Strengthening economic ties within the Celtic world’
Jointly organized by the Western Development Commission, Breizh Amerika, OCO Global, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Lorient Agglomération, the Scottish Business Network, CCI Morbihan, and the Club Wales-France Business Forum, this event is the ‘result of a fruitful collaboration among these partners committed to strengthening economic ties within the Celtic world’.
A delegation from Brittany will travel to Galway for the conference, led by Fabrice Loher, President of Lorient Agglomeration. The delegation will attend the event and will spend a number of days meeting with key stakeholders as well as taking in cultural tours. A number of attendees and organisers of the forum will travel from Galway’s ‘twin city’ of Lorient, France. Galway and Lorient have been ‘twinned’ since 1975, with the connection between the two being established by President Michael D Higgins and former French minister, Jean Yves Le Drian.
Creating a bridge of opportunity
Charles Kergaravat, Founder of the Interceltic Business Forum said, “We aim to create a bridge of opportunity, innovation, and collaboration across Celtic nations, fostering economic growth and prosperity for our shared future. We are excited to bring this prestigious event to Galway, a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, to further expand opportunities for economic collaboration and growth.”
Tickets for the Interceltic Business Forum are free but are limited in number.
