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  • Previous events held in Lorient France and Cardiff Wales.  
  • One day event planned for Portershed, Galway.  
  • Delegation from Lorient, Brittany planning to travel to meet key stakeholders.  

Today the Western Development Commission (WDC) has announced the Interceltic Business Forum will travel to the West of Ireland for the first time.  

Following the success of previous editions in Lorient, France and Cardiff, Wales, this year’s event is taking place on the 19th April in the Portershed, Galway. Supported by the WDC, this decision marks an important milestone in the event’s continued growth and demonstrates the commitment of economic actors and partners to work together.  

Eddie Hoare, Mayor of Galway, Niall Burgess Ambassador of Ireland to France and Allan Mulrooney CEO of WDC pictured in Lorient, France at the Interceltic Business Forum
Eddie Hoare, Mayor of Galway, Niall Burgess Ambassador of Ireland to France and Allan Mulrooney CEO of WDC
People attending the Interceltique Festival held in Lorient, France.
People attending the Interceltic Festival held in Lorient, France.

The Interceltic Business Forum has become a must-attend event for business leaders from Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Ireland seeking to promote innovation, economic development, and international partnerships. After successfully bringing together speakers, government agencies and a range of companies from different Celtic regions in previous editions, this upcoming Galway event promises to be even richer in networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and exploration of new economic horizons.  

Speaking about the announcement, Allan Mulrooney, CEO of WDC welcomed the news

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.

Allan Mulrooney speaking at the Interceltic Business Forum
Allan Mulrooney speaking at the Interceltic Business Forum

Galway, known for its dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit, is also twinned with Lorient since 1975 when President Michael D Higgins and former French Minister Jean Yves Le Drian made the connection and so provides an ideal setting to host the Irish iteration of the event. 

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.”  

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. 

Some of the key topics already planned for the event include “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 in Ireland, Cardiff Council, Lorient and others.  

Tickets are free but limited, register here.

Learn more about the Interceltic Forum Here.