Blog
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: One in Three Already Uses Artificial Intelligence—But Obstacles Remain
Recent surveys show that one-third of small and medium-sized businesses use AI, but challenges such as costs, knowledge gaps, and unclear regulations are slowing progress. Learn more about the current state of affairs and the opportunities for German small and medium-sized businesses.
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The Solar Industry in 2026: A Smart Future vs. a Tough Reality: What Are the Opportunities and Risks?
The German solar industry is facing a decisive turning point in 2026, according to PV Magazin Deutschland. Following the boom years of 2022 and 2023, a period of disillusionment has set in. At the same time, however, regulatory changes and technological trends are creating new opportunities for growth. For...
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No Time for Risk: Why Credit Insurance and Top-Up Limits Are Indispensable Now
The number of corporate bankruptcies in Germany continues to rise—and with it, the risk for companies of being left with unpaid receivables. But how can you protect yourself? And what should you do if your primary insurer doesn’t provide full coverage? An overview of the current situation and practical...
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GFL at Intersolar Europe in Munich
From June 23 to 25, 2026, Munich will host the world’s leading trade fair for the solar industry— Intersolar Europe 2026. As a long-standing partner of Wattkraft GmbH & Co. KG, we are pleased to be participating at their booth this year. “This is a great opportunity for us...
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Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in 2026: A Genuine Recovery or Just a Flash in the Pan?
The German economy faces an ambivalent situation: On the one hand, the war in Iran is slowing the modest recovery; on the other hand, small and medium-sized enterprises are showing the first positive signs. The latest Spring 2026 study by Creditreform Economic Research —based on a survey of 1,850...
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Retail in Crisis: Why City Centers Will Continue to Lose Stores in 2026
The economic situation in the German retail sector remains tense—and the consequences have long been evident in many city centers. Vacancies, store closures, and a noticeable decline in consumer confidence characterize the landscape. Current forecasts paint a clear, if alarming, picture for the year 2026.
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Study: Industry to Increase Foreign Investment in 2026
More and more German companies are shifting their investments abroad. The main reason is cost pressure in Germany. A study by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) shows just how profoundly companies’ investment strategies are changing—with far-reaching consequences for growth, employment, and competitiveness.
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Bureaucracy in Germany: Why Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Are Under Increasing Pressure
The bureaucratic burden on businesses in Germany has reached such a level in recent years that it not only slows down processes but is also increasingly jeopardizing competitiveness. Studies by the German Economic Institute (IW) and the Institute for SME Research (IfM) in Bonn clearly show that there is...
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Middle East Conflict: Atradius Eases Rules for Credit Insurance Customers
The credit insurer Atradius wants to actively support its customers in the Middle East. To that end, it is now offering greater flexibility in payment processing and in dealing with potential delays.
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You ask—we answer: How can I respond quickly if a customer or supplier suddenly requests guarantees?
“How can I respond quickly if a customer or supplier suddenly requests a guarantee?” In many industries, guarantees are part of everyday business. They serve to provide financial security for contractual partners—for example, in the case of down payments, warranties, or large supply contracts. However, problems arise when guarantees...
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