James Mailley

Permanent student and podcast junkie

[ISME @isme_ie]

@isme_ie CEO updates on our new advertising campaign; our Leadership & Networking Forum in Cork next month; opening up new markets for Irish producers at the LATAM & Caribbean Trade Horizons Forum; and why business owners should consider the ISME Skillnet Mentorship Programme.

[ISME @isme_ie]

Broadcaster and journalist Joe Lynam with @isme_ie CEO Neil McDonnell and James Mailley at the launch of ISME’s national radio and digital campaign. The four-week campaign will run across Newstalk drivetime programming and Bauer's digital network

[James Mailley @james147]

It’s all about scale! #connectandgrow2026

[James Mailley @james147]

Underway at the @isme_ie Leadership and Networking Event #ConnectandGrow2026

[James Mailley @james147]

Getting ready for our first in-person event of the year tomorrow in Dublin. Cork and Limerick to follow later on the year! @isme_ie @jobsdotie #ConnectandGrow2026

[James Mailley @james147]

Optimism always welcome @isme_ie!

[ISME @isme_ie]

After a bruising 2 weeks for SMEs on several fronts, @isme_ie latest Members' update looks ahead with some much needed purpose and optimism. And how our Indigenous Enterprise policy demands Government understands long-term supports of small & medium business MUST be a priority.

[ISME @isme_ie]

Wishing @isme_ie staff, members, and all who work in SMEs across the country a Happy Easter. The Everyday Entrepreneurs who own these small businesses are local heroes who work incredibly hard to provide for their employees and their families. They deserve our support.

[ISME @isme_ie]

DON’T make it a Happy Easter for scammers. Business owner Brendan Courtney caught up with @isme_ie to recap on the @FraudSMART Smart Play Against Scams. Go to https://t.co/7l2xM8m9Ju for practical tips on protecting your business. Be informed,alert,secure! https://t.co/v1b65yRDzq

[ISME @isme_ie]

@isme_ie's CEO Neil McDonnell joined @cooper_m on The Last Word to discuss ISME’s Indigenous Enterprise Policy launched last week. This paper urges the Government to improve the business environment for Ireland’s “Everyday Entrepreneurs” Click https://t.co/9PJTaliVAL listen.

[ISME @isme_ie]

@isme_ie CEO Neil McDonnell joined @ConallOM's Great Business Show podcast to discuss how Ireland’s reliance on a tiny number of multinational companies to deliver most corporation is not an economic policy, but a massive gamble. Click https://t.co/Lonrb3ygHA to listen to podcast

[ISME @isme_ie]

"Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable."Introducing the first in our new series of @isme_ie Members’ Voice where our CEO, Neil McDonnell provides regular updates on the main issues our members are facing, what engagements the ISME team is having with Government, and what lies ahead.

[Mario Nawfal @MarioNawfal]

Here’s a clear explanation of why Trump attacked Iran, and why I think the war will end soon.

The war isn't about nuclear weapons. It's not about helping the Iranian people. It’s not about doing Israel’s bidding. And it's not about Iran being a threat to the U.S.

It's about China.

China imports 45-57% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has the capacity to shut it down.

A U.S.-aligned Iran means an Iran that would choke off that strait if there's ever a real power struggle between Washington and Beijing.

And there already is one.

The U.S. and China have been locked in a tariff war for over a year now.

Also remember when China threatened export controls on rare earths, encompassing any company anywhere in the world that uses Chinese rare earths?

Yes, China essentially said that any company that uses their rare earths (China refines 85-90% of the world’s supply) must seek their permission before exporting their products.

This means if a German manufacturer uses rare earths fro China to create chips for American companies, China can block the export of these chips.

That’s how much leverage China has over the U.S., and that’s dangerous, especially if China finally decides to reunify with Taiwan.

So controlling the Strait of Hormuz becomes critical for the U.S.

It's the same reason Trump wants China out of the Panama Canal. The same reason Venezuela matters.

The same reason he's eyeing Greenland, where shipping routes to China pass through melting Arctic ice.

Energy is everything now. The AI arms race is the most important strategic competition on the planet.

Limiting China's access to energy is how the U.S. wins that race, and anyone who believes in freedom and democracy should want America to win.

China is investing heavily in domestic energy, building nuclear reactors, solar farms, wind power. They're leapfrogging the rest of the world.

But they still import the majority of their oil. And a significant chunk of it comes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran was reportedly nearing a deal for supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China, which would make it easier for Iran to threaten shipping in the Strait and strike U.S. naval vessels.

That accelerated the timeline.

Trump's comment today about doing in Iran what he did in Venezuela makes perfect sense in this context. He wants influence over who comes next.

A regime that's workable for Washington.

If he succeeds, this would be a massive strategic win for the U.S. and for Trump.

[ISME @isme_ie]

Carol Bellamy reminds every business owner to value their worth. @IsmeIreland is proud to have Carol and the @IPDGA as a member as both organisations are focused on giving a voice to small businesses in Ireland!
#InternationalWomensDay #IWD #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneur

[ISME @isme_ie]

Unchartered waters. @IsmeIreland's CEO speaking on
@rtenews. Ships bound for the US last week will disembark under yet another new tariff regime. As for some stability for the Taoiseach’s visit to the White House next month – perhaps that ship has also sailed.

[Irish Times Business @IrishTimesBiz]

Business costs not moderating in line with cooling of inflation, ISME says https://t.co/8koh4Ldl8h

[ISME @isme_ie]

Business and labour costs top list of SME concerns https://t.co/jJHzVd0VKa

[Alliance For Insurance Reform @InsuranceRefIre]

‘39% of [businesses] cited the cost of insurance as their main worry. Despite extensive legal reforms in recent years, employer liability, public liability, professional indemnity and motor insurance remain stubbornly high, ISME said.’

#InsuranceReform

https://t.co/Z8MMrUsAcb

[James Mailley @james147]

#SCOvENG Scotland knead to keep things tight so they don’t batter us in the second half. Not raising my hopes too early #FlourOfScotland

[ISME @isme_ie]

What does @Finbarr chair of ISME have in common with Frank Sinatra? And what belief has powered his success in business across the years. This IS_ME
#This_IS_ME #IrishBusiness #SMEIreland

[James Mailley @james147]

@johnmellencamp @billmaher asked @johnmellencamp about lyrics that stuck. On a sleeve cover - words I will never forget “There is nothing more sad or glorious than generations changing hands” Beautiful and bold. I’m a fan forever