I was recently in Glasgow and was surrounded by the beauty and energy of what is called Celtic Connections.

The festival is a celebration of Celtic music, and reaches across stages in Glasgow with internationally-renowned music and performances. In all, there are more than 300 events across multiple genres of music. It’s truly extraordinary. The banner of Celtic Connections reminded me of something I have always believed – dialogue between the Celtic nations will further individual aspirations and collective goals.

There is real power in the Celtic nations connecting, sharing, and collaborating across sectors. Cornwall has every reason to confidently sit at the table and be a leading voice. I admire how Cornwall has been proactive in this regard. One way Cornwall has done this is by engaging with The Interceltic Business Forum. It is a conference and community that fosters economic cooperation and collaboration among Celtic nations. Founded in 2016 by the visionary Charles Kergaravat, it is a genuine innovation and incredibly valuable. I see it as only growing and expanding. We owe the Interceltic Business Forum thanks for what has been created.

Nicola Lloyd who is the Director of Cornwall Trade and Investment had the foresight of engaging with the Interceltic Business Forum and getting involved. This has led to many good connections and expanded Cornwall’s network. That engagement has also led to Cornwall hosting the next conference. Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across the Celtic nations will come to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth on April 25. It is fitting and symbolic that the venue is a fantastic museum that celebrates and promotes the understanding of boats and their place in people’s lives. Nautical heritage is central to the stories of all the Celtic nations. What these conferences, gatherings, and collaborations are doing is constructing and launching new ships with fresh crews comprised of passionate explores and sailors.

Another advantage of these gatherings is that senior business leaders, elected figures, and investors will increasingly see a real advantage and an attraction in speaking to a collection of cross cutting representatives from Celtic nations. That’s the beauty of such a forum. We can be bold and not only talk amongst our Celticselves, but widen further external links and extend invites to foreign ambassadors, trade officials, Presidents and CEOs of large international corporations, etc.

Beyond the business and economic collaborations there is real advantage in connecting with entities across the Celtic nations because of the shared arc and common seas of heritage. Of course, music and culture stand right at the front, but we can be creative as well by advancing discussions between social enterprises, charities, and those entities who help individuals in need. A common strand that flows through all the identities of Celtic nations is kindness and a desire to lift the vulnerable. Additionally, we can ensure that individuals who come from ethnic minority groups or individuals who feel marginalised can share information across the Celtic nations about the obstacles they face and what they see as working.

Here’s to deepening these proud Celtic links for the present and the future. Wishing you well, reader. As a portion of the Celtic Blessing says, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.”