Operations management

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Five years after the devastating floods, the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Construction, the WHKT (Westphalian Chamber of Skilled Crafts), and the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts have concluded the state initiative "Skilled Crafts in Reconstruction." In Odenthal, they reviewed their collaboration.

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Only a healthy, green forest can ensure a balanced water supply. However, persistently high temperatures and drought are currently putting forests under pressure. Since water is an essential source of life, Krombacher supports the preservation of stable forests with a large-scale reforestation program.

Photo: © German Heat Pump Association (BWP) eV

Operations management | July 2026

Information and key data on the new heating subsidy

The new conditions for heating system subsidies and heat pump subsidies have been finalized. For those who decide quickly and have a valid application: the old conditions apply until July 20th.

Photo: © Tischler Schreiner Deutschland

Operations management | July 2026

Ergonomics showroom for healthy working opens

The Remmers competence center in Löningen opens the first model workshop of the workshop ergonomics project and sets new standards for healthy working in the carpentry trade.

Photo: © Andriy Popov/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

No invoice approval, no money?

Payment is due even if the invoice has not been internally approved by the client. The Federal Court of Justice has upheld a ruling by the Higher Regional Court of Schleswig, strengthening the position of construction companies.

Photo: © cocon

Operations management | July 2026

In the past, good work was enough!

In his bi-weekly column "Workbench + Change", cocon founder Daniel-John Riedl writes this time about the past and present.

Photo: © ZVSHK

Operations management | July 2026

Plumbing, heating and air conditioning (SHK) industry on the reduction of heating subsidies

The German government is planning to cut subsidies for heating systems. This comes at a bad time for the skilled trades. The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (PHVAC) industry was not involved in the planning process.

Photo: © Ledlenser

Operations management | July 2026

25 Years of LED Development: How Ledlenser Helped Shape the Transformation of Flashlights

To mark its company anniversary, the Solingen-based lighting tool manufacturer Ledlenser has released three existing models as special editions.

Operations management | July 2026

When the works council is allowed to have a say in AI agents

The use of AI agents does not always require the approval of the works council. The crucial factor is whether AI processes personal data for performance or behavior monitoring. An expert explains the legal situation.

Operations management | July 2026

Renovation sprint: Energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings in 22 days

The state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, is planning a renovation sprint with the trades: Ronald Meyer's innovative method makes it possible to comprehensively renovate residential buildings within 22 days.

Operations management | July 2026

North Rhine-Westphalia leads the way: Fair maternity protection for the self-employed

"Modern maternity protection for the self-employed belongs in the law." NRW Economics Minister Mona Neubaur presents a model with a flat-rate wage replacement benefit during the maternity protection period.

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Three prizes for final projects of designers (HWK)

Eight success codes for future viability

Mental health in craft businesses

ING launches new fixed-term deposit offer for medium-sized businesses

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

Schufa shadow database: What businesses can do

Süffa with three focus topics at the pulse of the meat industry

Federal Cabinet approves second relief package

"A complete disaster": How the packaging tax is burdening bakers

"Craftsmanship is an important building block for reconstruction"

Craftsmen in Saxony oppose packaging tax

Stylish fastback – the Peugeot 408

How Geely plans to conquer the German market

Uncharted – Subaru's first all-electric SUV

Opticians: Graduation ceremony with the Prime Minister

Vocational school classes awarded for creative ideas against violence

Reforestation of forests to preserve drinking water

Corporate award from "Vocational Training Without Borders"

Growing as a team – healthy and successful

Trades welcome the right to repair: "Strong signal"

Reference: The former employee is sometimes allowed to force the boss to sign it.

Information and key data on the new heating subsidy

Ergonomics showroom for healthy working opens

No invoice approval, no money?

In the past, good work was enough!

Plumbing, heating and air conditioning (SHK) industry on the reduction of heating subsidies

25 Years of LED Development: How Ledlenser Helped Shape the Transformation of Flashlights

When the works council is allowed to have a say in AI agents

Renovation sprint: Energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings in 22 days

North Rhine-Westphalia leads the way: Fair maternity protection for the self-employed