Following the resounding success of previous editions held in Lorient, Galway, and Cardiff, the Interceltic Business Forum is poised to make a triumphant return to Brittany this August.

Scheduled for August 12, 2024, at the CCI Morbihan in Lorient, this esteemed event promises to be a pinnacle of networking, knowledge sharing, and economic exploration.

The Interceltic Business Forum has established itself as a premier gathering for business leaders and innovators from the Celtic regions. Its previous editions have demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration, offering a unique platform to advance innovation, economic development, and international partnerships. The forum has been graced by prominent figures such as Jean-Yves Le Drian, Former Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France; Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales; and Linda Taylor, Leader of Cornwall Council. These distinguished attendees underscore the forum's significance in fostering high-level dialogue and regional synergy.

This year’s event promises to build on this impressive legacy, with a focus on expanding networking opportunities and sharing groundbreaking insights. A notable addition to this year’s forum is the introduction of the Interceltic Scaling Awards, designed to celebrate and spotlight exceptional achievements in Celtic entrepreneurship. By recognizing innovative ventures and showcasing successful business models, the forum continues to play a crucial role in driving economic development and enhancing cross-border cooperation within the Celtic community.

What is the Interceltic Business Forum and Why It Is Important

The Interceltic Business Forum stands as a pivotal event dedicated to fostering economic growth, innovation, and international partnerships among the Celtic regions. Established as a premier conference and community for celtic business leaders, the forum has previously been hosted in vibrant cities such as Lorient, Galway, and Cardiff, each edition highlighting the unique economic and cultural attributes of these locations.

The forum serves as an invaluable gathering for stakeholders from diverse sectors, offering a space for sharing knowledge, discussing best practices, and exploring new business opportunities. By connecting leaders from the Celtic regions, it enhances cross-border collaboration and encourages the exchange of innovative ideas and strategies.

Past editions have demonstrated tangible benefits for participating companies. For example, firms have reported increased market access, expanded networks, and enhanced visibility in international markets. Attendees have gained insights into emerging trends, forged valuable partnerships, and leveraged new business opportunities, contributing to their overall growth and success.

This year, the forum in Lorient will continue to build on this tradition of excellence, featuring a series of engaging discussions, presentations, and networking sessions designed to drive economic development and strengthen ties within the Celtic community. The addition of the Interceltic Scaling Awards further underscores the forum's commitment to celebrating and promoting entrepreneurial achievements, ensuring that the event remains a cornerstone of regional and international business advancement.

Full Interceltic Business Forum 2024 Program in Lorient

Here’s a detailed look at the schedule for the Interceltic Business Forum:

9H Breakfast & cafe

9h15 Welcome

Fabrice Loher, President of Lorient Agglomeration

Philippe Rouault, Président de la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie du Morbihan

9h30 Building Celtic Connection from the West of Ireland

Allan Mulrooney, CEO of Western Development Commission

9h40 Charles Kergaravat - Founder of Interceltic Business Forum

9h45 The Celtic Interconnector - Powering Ireland and France

Pádraig Slyne, Head of Public Affairs of Eirgrid

10h15 Les retombées économiques du Festival Interceltique sur le territoire

Introduction par Jean-Paul Kihl

Présentation par Gilles Poupard – directeur d’Audélor

Mickael Chevrier, Président de Lorient Bretagne Sud Tourisme,

Jean-Paul Kihl, President Festival Interceltique de Lorient

Fabrice Loher, President of Lorient Agglomeration

11h15 Growing trade links between France and Ireland rooted in strong and lasting partnerships

Patrick Torrekens – Head of Enterprise Ireland France

Barry Cullen, Director of West End Knitwear

Cecile Le Gall, Owner of Anterenn

11h45 ROI Spotlight - Rencontre entre business et convictions

Leslie Le Gal - ALBA l'agence

Philippe Corréa - Global Scot

Anne Kerdi - AI Influencer

12h Doing Business in the Isle of Man, a UNESCO Biosphere

Tiffany Kerruish, Co-founder, Fynoderee Distillery

Kirree Gooberman, Head of Business Development, Business Isle of Man, Isle of Man Government

Sarah Mercer, C0-founder, Earthscope

12h35 The Future of Mobility

Wassim Deruech, COO of Future of Mobility Campus Ireland

12h55 Lunch

14h Making meaningful connections to create value, open up new opportunities and build partnerships

Scottish Business Network

Russell Dalgleish, President

14h30 The Welsh Dragon: A tech ecosystem that’s roaring’ session!

Daniel Sawko, CEO and co-founder shipshape.vc

Mark John, Head of Partnerships of Tramshed Tech

15h L’ambition maritime à travers la mutation des ports lorientais

Présentation par Gilles Poupard – directeur d’Audélor

Lorient Agglomération, CCI Morbihan et Audélor

15h45 Managing risks in cross border investment opportunities

Philippa Ellis, Principal Associate at Capital Law

16h Presentation finalists of the Interceltic Scaling Award

Revive Eco

Buymedia

Zeus Mobility

Famileo

Ultramed

Flexi-Hex

Whisper

Delio

16h20 Interceltic Scaling Awards panel

OCO Global, Cornwall Trade and investment, Cardiff Council, Platform94


17h Interceltic Scaling Awards Winners Announcement

17h30 Closing & Cocktail

How to Sign Up for the Interceltic Business Forum

To be part of this dynamic event and to connect with key business leaders and innovators from the Celtic regions, ensure you register early. Visit the official Interceltic Business Forum website to secure your spot and find additional details about the event.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with the Celtic business community and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Sign up now (space is limited)

Jointly organized by Breizh Amerika, OCO Global, Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Lorient Agglomération, Western Development Commission, Scottish Business Network, CCI Morbihan, Eirgrid, Enterprise Ireland France 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.

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