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: © yuttana jeenamool/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Federal procurement facilitated

Public procurement is to become faster, simpler, and more digital. The German Federal Government has now adopted three administrative regulations to this end.

Photo: © BIV West

Operations management | July 2026

Bread Kings: For the love of bread and the craft

Tatjana Krechel and Leon Kirchner are the new Bread Queen and Bread King of the Rhineland-Westphalian baking trade. Both are master bakers and passionate about their craft.

Photo: © lculig/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Equal Pay: Salary is no longer a secret

Due to new EU regulations, the legal situation regarding equal pay has changed since June 7, 2026. Employees can now uncover unequal pay and enforce their claims. We explain what employers need to do.

Photo: © auremar/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Baby boomers retiring: By 2036, there will be a shortage of over four million workers.

By 2036, far more people will reach retirement age than young people will enter the workforce. Ultimately, there will be a shortage of more than four million workers, according to a new study by the German Economic Institute (IW).

Photo: © Dmitry Kalinovsky/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

Car repair shop is liable for uneconomical repairs

If a car repair shop repairs a wrecked vehicle unnecessarily expensively and therefore uneconomically, the customer can claim damages. This was decided by the Saarbrücken Regional Court.

Photo: © vadymvdrobot/123RF.com

Operations management | July 2026

E-invoicing: Don't risk losing your input tax deduction now.

Most German companies are still hesitant when it comes to e-invoicing. This could become a problem: "They risk losing their input tax deduction," warns tax advisor Fabian Bergmoser.

Craft policy | July 2026

Saxon milestone has been launched

The application period for the Saxon Milestone award has begun. They are seeking successors who have successfully implemented a generational transition. The application deadline is August 21st.

Operations management | July 2026

Defective electric car: Quarantine in case of fire risk, but not permanently

Those who tow and store electric vehicles can charge for special safety measures. However, they are only allowed to do so for five days, provided there is no immediate fire hazard, ruled the Koblenz Regional Court.

Operations management | July 2026

Plan your loan extension in good time!

Many mortgage loans are expiring soon – and interest rates have risen significantly. We explain how you can secure better terms and keep your financing under control.

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.

Federal procurement facilitated

Bread Kings: For the love of bread and the craft

Equal Pay: Salary is no longer a secret

Baby boomers retiring: By 2036, there will be a shortage of over four million workers.

Car repair shop is liable for uneconomical repairs

E-invoicing: Don't risk losing your input tax deduction now.

Saxon milestone has been launched

Defective electric car: Quarantine in case of fire risk, but not permanently

Plan your loan extension in good time!