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.

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Operations management | July 2026

Commercial space becomes residential space: New subsidy launched on July 1st.

Vacant offices and retail spaces are to be converted into apartments: The federal government is offering financial incentives through the "Commercial to Residential" program. Applications for the subsidy can be submitted immediately.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

New Working Time Act: Trades demand comprehensive changes

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts is now criticizing the draft law on working time reform in detail. It is demanding improvements to provide more flexibility and less bureaucracy.

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Operations management | July 2026

Bakery trade: Signal Iduna and SHB merge

The Signal Iduna Group is preparing to acquire SHB. This will allow the insurance group to expand its market leadership in the baking industry.

Photo: © Aleksandrs Tihonovs/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Tachograph requirement for cross-border journeys

From July 1, 2026, tachographs will be mandatory for cross-border journeys with small vans and light commercial vehicles within the EU. However, there are exceptions for many tradespeople.

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Operations management | July 2026

Tradespeople demand postponement of mandatory e-invoicing

Tradespeople are experiencing serious technical problems receiving e-invoices. The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) is advocating for a one-year postponement of the mandatory e-invoicing requirement.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Study: International trainees make an important contribution to the skilled trades

An ITB project is investigating how international trainees support skilled trades. Initial findings show that they can make a significant contribution, especially in trades with a shortage of young talent.

Operations management | July 2026

The Greens want to strengthen the food industry

The Green Party parliamentary group wants to classify the food processing industry as systemically important – also for food security in times of crisis. They also want to reduce bureaucracy for small businesses.

Operations management | July 2026

Advanced training grant: Fewer recipients, but a higher amount of funding

30 years of the Advanced Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegs-BAföG): In 2025, 186.100 people in Germany received funding. This is slightly fewer than in the previous year. On average, recipients received a grant of €5.200.

Operations management | July 2026

When it comes to loans, speed is key.

A new survey shows that medium-sized companies are increasingly changing their lender and demanding more flexibility – digital providers are gaining market share.

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.

Commercial space becomes residential space: New subsidy launched on July 1st.

New Working Time Act: Trades demand comprehensive changes

Bakery trade: Signal Iduna and SHB merge

Tachograph requirement for cross-border journeys

Tradespeople demand postponement of mandatory e-invoicing

Study: International trainees make an important contribution to the skilled trades

The Greens want to strengthen the food industry

Advanced training grant: Fewer recipients, but a higher amount of funding

When it comes to loans, speed is key.