“Spring cleaning” at the begin of the new year? Absolutely!

2 Min.

Of course, the begin of the new year is well before the actual spring. But that’s exactly why it’s the perfect time for a little (or big) spring clean: in the office, on your desk and, above all, in your head. More freshness, more clarity, more transparency. Out with the old, in with inspiration. Sounds good? It is.

Honest, open and also unsparing

Our tip: The more honestly you approach your personal or corporate spring clean, the more effective it will be. Trust your own judgment and decide what is really relevant, effective, authentic and useful without glossing over, glossing over or dramatically condemning.

For example, we have rediscovered our 15-year-old brand wall. Old? Yes. Analog? Yes. But: extremely effective when it comes to making brands tangible and alive. Our Instagram recruitment campaign from last year, on the other hand, was completely different: super contemporary but ultimately unsuccessful. And that’s what counts. If it doesn’t work, it can go. A real highlight, however, was our return to trade fairs. For us, they have once again become the top location for personal sales work. Small recommendation cards + business cards = big effect. The result? Lots of appointments, lots of conversations, lots of new input. Effective. Approachable. Human.

Rethinking old things

And the best thing is that what didn’t work in 2025 can suddenly take off again in 2026.
So: try out the old in a new way. Boldly testing new things, staying authentic, remaining effective – that’s the motto!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Successful move: Welcome to the new 2be office at Nuremberg Seelevel!

3 Min.

It has now been a good four months (as of January 2026) since we at 2be_die Markenmacher took down our tents at Ostendstraße 181 and moved to Dr.-Carlo-Schmid-Straße 200 have pitched a new one. Our conclusion? We are more than happy and officially in Nuremberg Seelevel arrived!

Flexible working thanks to smart coworking concept

One of the main reasons for our positive conclusion is the well thought-out and ambitious coworking concept of workspaceIn GmbHour landlord. In addition to our two permanently rented offices, we can flexibly book additional workspaces or presentation rooms on a daily basis if required. Perfect for customer meetings, workshops or joint project work directly on site.

The best thing about it: this flexible model is ideal for our modern working day – whether office, home office or hybrid. Work where others relax. Our new office is located in the middle of a quiet residential area right next to Lake Wöhrder See. A real plus for creative breaks and fresh thoughts. We can also use the outdoor facilities, and one thing is already certain: barbecues in the garden will be a must in summer!

Easily accessible, even without a car

Not only we, but also our customers benefit from the excellent public transport connections. Bus route 49 and several streetcar lines stop virtually right outside the door. And as the icing on the cake: the gastronomic offerings in the area are really impressive. Not everything is perfect (yet): the parking situation and ease of finding the office entrance could be a little better. But don’t worry, we will remedy this and will soon provide clear information and a map on our website.

Fancy a visit?

We look forward to seeing you – come along, take a look at our new premises and let’s get projects moving together!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Christmas parcel convoy 2025: a quarter of a century of solidarity in action

3 Min.

The Christmas parcel convoy 2025 is behind us – with 151,576 lovingly packed Christmas parcels, the convoy set off for Eastern Europe at the end of November. It was the 25th trip since the campaign began in 2001.

Here in Nuremberg, we also helped out diligently. We at 2be have been an official contact point for the Christmas parcel convoy for many years – and in 2025, we once again collected numerous gifts. Many families, children, groups and individuals packed and dropped off parcels to show that sharing brings joy. Every single gift represents time, thought and a lot of heart.

This year, a total of 250 volunteers were on the road with 37 trucks, five coaches and several cars. The trip took them to Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania – including Albania for the first time. Ukraine remained part of the campaign despite the difficult situation. On site, the parcels were handed over directly to the children in schools, communities and social institutions – supported by local helpers. It is precisely these personal handovers that make the convoy so special.

More than just numbers

Of course, the figures are also impressive: Over two million Christmas parcels have been donated by children and families from Germany since 2001. But there is a story behind every number. Behind every parcel is a person who has thought of someone else. Or as Nadine Alder, honorary managing director of the convoy, puts it in a nutshell:

“Behind every parcel is a family, a child and a thought of sharing. The convoy shows how much togetherness is created when people stand up for each other.”

Encounters that last

What started out small 25 years ago is now one of the largest purely voluntary gift campaigns in Germany. Over the years, genuine friendships have developed in many regions of Eastern Europe. The helpers repeatedly report warm hospitality, gratitude – and moments that you never forget: when children open their parcels and everything else fades into the background for a moment.

We would like to thank everyone who took part again this year – especially all the supporters here in Nuremberg. The Christmas parcel convoy 2025 has shown: Together we can achieve more than we often think. 🎁✨

More pictures and first impressions from this year can be found on Facebook, Instagram and on the website:
weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de
instagram.com/christmas-package-convoy
facebook.com/weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de

 

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Odoo in use: More overview, more air – less liquidity stress

2 Min.

Reliable and consistent use of your own ERP system can prevent companies and institutions from slipping unnecessarily into financial difficulties or – despite actually stable foundations – into liquidity problems. And should the economic situation actually reach critical levels, an ERP like Odoo provides management with precisely the data required for a realistic status quo analysis in crisis management.

The greater the transparency provided by an ERP, the greater the planning security. This allows resources to be estimated more precisely, decisions to be made on a more informed basis and economically difficult times to be weathered much better.

Odoo as an early warning system and optimization tool

An established system like Odoo not only sets orange or red flags in good time, but also evaluates existing data in such a way that it is possible to clearly identify where optimization measures make sense and how they can be implemented. Whether warehouse management, resource planning or the targeted use of AI and automation tools – Odoo creates the basis for efficient processes.

Based on our own experience and our partner know-how, we support our customers in bringing a breath of fresh air into their existing Odoo or implementing a completely new Odoo – including setting up modern, time-saving AI tools.

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Follow-up report: Europe’s digital sovereignty – between wishful thinking and reality

2 Min.

On September 30, 2025, interested parties – both on site in Nuremberg and online – gathered for an intensive afternoon to discuss the current state and prospects of Europe’s digital independence. The event was organized by
Robert Zierhofer
and
Matthias Brinkmann
both active members of the Rabbit Hole Group.

The thematic focus & agenda

The discussion round was clearly structured and focused on four central building blocks:

  • Europe’s digital dependence today
  • European alternatives to US-based tools
  • Opportunities & limits of digital independence
  • Conclusion: wishful thinking or realistic objective?

The introduction already made it clear how deeply dependent Europe is on US technology – from cloud services and communication tools to operating systems. Robert and Matthias took a critical look at everyday tools in agencies and companies and presented concrete European alternatives. At the same time, there was an open discussion about the hurdles that need to be overcome – politically, economically and technologically.

Highlights & insights

  • Several examples showed that many companies and institutions today have little choice but to trust US-based services – often for reasons of market power, distribution or compatibility.
  • It was shown that there are already functioning European solutions – albeit often in niches or with a limited degree of maturity.
  • The desire for technological independence is legitimate – but without clearly defined support programs, regulation and joint European action, much remains wishful thinking.

The tone was constructive and forward-looking: The debate was dominated by realism rather than pessimism. The hybrid format (on-site + online) was well received and ensured that even remote participants were able to take part. The presentation was inspired, with plenty of impetus – it was not uncommon for people to put their heads together in the direction of implementation.

Conclusion & outlook

The event ruthlessly revealed where Europe stands today – and at the same time showed that digital sovereignty does not have to be pure wishful thinking. But the road to this goal is an arduous one. The decisive factor will be whether politics, business and society set the necessary course: Strategic investments, promotion of European infrastructure, binding standards and a rethink of the choice of tools for society as a whole.

We would like to thank Robert Zierhofer and all participants for this enriching event!

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Christmas convoy 2025 – 2be is once again a collection point for presents

2 Min.

Once again this year, the Christmas parcel convoy is once again on its way to bring a special Christmas present to children in remote and rural regions of Eastern Europe. Under the motto “Children help children“, girls and boys in Germany pack lovingly designed parcels, which are then delivered by volunteers to countries such as Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine

2be as official collection point

We are delighted that 2be will once again be an official drop-off point for parcels in 2025. All the presents collected here will travel in the large convoy and bring Christmas joy to countless children locally.

👉 Drop-off location:

👉Delivery period:

  • Delivery possible from: 21.09.2025
  • Last submission deadline: 20.11.2025

👉 O pening hours of the collection point at 2be:

  • Monday to Wednesday: 08:00 – 16:00
  • and by telephone arrangement

Handover of the Christmas presents collected for the convoy

How to pack the perfect parcel

A shoe box (approx. 38 x 22 x 22 cm), festively wrapped and covered with an age sticker, filled with a colorful mixture of:

  • 🎲 Something to play with (games, cuddly toys, cars, balls)
  • ✏️ Something useful (school supplies, painting utensils)
  • 🧣 Something to wear (hats, gloves, scarves)
  • 🍫 Something to snack on (sweets, shelf-stable packaging)
  • 🧼 Something for grooming (toothpaste, toothbrush, washing kit)

Please do not packUsed clothing, books in German, electronic or battery-operated toys, money.

Presents for the Christmas parcel convoy

Why take part?

For over 20 years, the convoy has been bringing around 150,000 parcels a year to children who have often never received a Christmas present before

Giving joy together

Every child deserves a Christmas present” – we are convinced of this. That’s why we at 2be are once again supporting the convoy with our hearts and souls this year. Pack a parcel with us and set off with thousands of other people to give children unforgettable moments of joy.

You can find more information about the Christmas convoy on the website:
weihnachtspaeckchenkonvoi.de
In the flyer
From the presentation

More about the Ladies Circle 30 Nuremberg
Service projects of the LC30
Registration

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Digital premiere at the Joseph Foundation: annual report as a website

4 Min.

The Joseph Foundation has published its 2024 annual report for the first time not in print or as a PDF, but consistently digitally as a website. The company is thus taking a new approach – contemporary, flexible and with many advantages for readers.

In conversation with Thomas Heuchling, it quickly becomes clear that there is more behind this decision than just a technical change. It is about accessibility, efficiency, cost savings and, last but not least, a modern appearance. We spoke to him about the motivations, challenges and opportunities of the new format – and about why the digital annual report is not an experiment for the Joseph Foundation, but a clear model for the future.

2be:
My first question to you: What motivated you to implement the annual report as a website this time and not as a print or PDF as before?

Thomas Heuchling:
Firstly, because it is more contemporary and the trend in our industry is clearly moving in this direction. On the other hand, it was also a requirement of the Management Board in order to be perceived as a modern company.

2be:
What goals are you pursuing with the digital annual report – both internally and externally?

Thomas Heuchling:
Internally, we want to make access easier. Hardly anyone downloads a PDF or prints something out anymore. It’s much easier to have a quick look on your cell phone. Externally, it is much cheaper: although a website also costs money, there are no printing costs. The report can also be easily shared via social media or the email signature. Another advantage: content can be adapted at any time – be it in the event of errors or minor changes.

2be:
Where do you see the biggest advantages over the classic format?

Thomas Heuchling:
Definitely in terms of flexibility. Content is easier to update and the display options are greater. A printed product is very limited in terms of scope and form, online we could theoretically also include videos – we didn’t do that this time, but it offers potential. In terms of automation and data maintenance, the creation process is also more efficient.

2be:
Were there specific requirements or wishes within the Josef Foundation that shaped the design and structure?

Thomas Heuchling:
Our corporate design, of course, ensures a consistent appearance. Beyond that, there are mainly legal requirements – for example for the annual financial statements or the sustainability report. These leave little scope for design.

2be:
How important was it to you that the content was not only informative, but also visually exciting and user-friendly?

Thomas Heuchling:
Very important – we wanted to make the content appealing and interesting for readers.

2be:
What role do interactive and multimedia elements play in your concept?

Thomas Heuchling:
Another one too small. I think once you’ve implemented the digital report for a year or two, you quickly reach the point where you start experimenting with videos, drone footage or other formats. Only when you’ve done your duty does the freestyle come – and then you can work more with such elements.

2be:
How have employees, partners or other stakeholders reacted to the new digital presence?

Thomas Heuchling:
The report has not yet been officially published, so there has been little feedback so far.
Internally, the response so far has been positive. The digital form in particular is perceived as fresh and modern.

2be:
Do you see the digital annual report more as a one-off project or as a model for the future?

Thomas Heuchling:
Definitely as a model. Of course, displaying large tables on a cell phone is not ideal – we were aware of that. But we will certainly not go back to a purely printed report. Whether online in its entirety, in parts or in combination – digital will continue to be our standard for the annual report.

2be:
What tips would you give other organizations that are considering digitizing their annual report?

Thomas Heuchling:
You should think about central content maintenance right from the start in order to avoid mistakes – so don’t send texts around in Word files, but automate processes as much as possible. It is also very helpful to invest more time in a clear structure at the beginning. We improvised a bit because it was our first time and had to make adjustments later. It’s better to develop a solid framework right from the start.

You should also check which content really works online. Some things – such as extensive tables from the appendix – are not suitable for display on a website. After all, we offered them as downloads. If you analyze this at an early stage, you can plan much more cleanly and efficiently.

2be:
Exactly, that was also what we learned: the first digital report in particular requires a lot of preparatory work in terms of structure and planning because it is not as flexible as a print product.

Thomas Heuchling:
Exactly. And it’s worth making a conscious decision at the start about which content works digitally and which is better outsourced. This saves you detours in the end.

2be:
Yes, it was an exciting process for us. We learned a lot, it was fun and I’m proud that we were able to implement it so successfully together. Now I’m delighted that we can go online.

Thomas Heuchling:
Me too.


Curious now?

Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Old Tablers 4 Nuremberg: Being there is everything!

2 Min.

Around 60,000 people worldwide belong to the large Round Table-family – and what unites them all is more than just a network: it is working together for good causes, making valuable contacts and, above all, working together. Whether Ladies Circle, Round Table or Old Table – Friendship, helpfulness and commitment are the values that characterize the spirit of this community.

After refreshments, Matthias organized a short tour of the coworking space.

Exactly this spirit was also present at the workshop of the Old Tablers 4 Nuremberg on August 4, 2025. The venue: the newly opened coworking space in Dr. Carlo Schmid Straße. Topic of the day: How do we attract new members – and thus fresh energy for our projects?

Old Tabler Matthias got to the heart of the matter:

“Until now, we have lacked the visibility to highlight the benefits that we can offer our members as an internationally networked association.”

Working together - even at the barbecue

Recruiting with heart and strategy

The workshop resulted in a clear recruiting strategy based on one principle: The best way to win people over is to approach them personally. In addition, the Nuremberg Old Tablers have now developed various e-mail templates and digital materials to inform interested parties in a targeted manner and to bring them on board even after the initial contact.

Because one thing is certain: once you’re in, you’ll want to stay in. Or, as Brinkmann puts it:

“We know from experience: Once you’ve joined us, you’ll be happy to stay with us in the future!”

At around 20:00 Thorsten opens the official part of the evening, which has the character of a workshop.

Conclusion

Whether a local project or international cooperation – the Old Tablers 4 Nuremberg show that commitment, community and friendship are the best arguments to get people excited about this special movement. Because at the end of the day, being involved is everything.

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Automotive meets aviation: why a second mainstay makes sense now

2 Min.

When the domestic market weakens, this does not automatically mean a standstill. Particularly in economically difficult times, it pays to think outside the box. Many companies are discovering new growth areas – beyond their traditional sector. The key: flexibility, the courage to change perspective and technical expertise.

Entering related industries is often easier than it seems at first glance. Especially when technological similarities can be exploited. A good example of this is the transition from the automotive to the aviation sector. Both sectors are closely interwoven technologically and share the highest standards of quality, safety and innovation.

Aviation is booming – automotive knowledge is in demand

While the automotive market in Germany has been treading water since the coronavirus crisis, the aviation industry is experiencing an upswing. This opens up exciting prospects: development expertise and engineering skills from the automotive industry are in demand in the aviation sector like never before. Those who act now can build a new, future-proof foothold.

At 2be, we are more than just an interface between automotive and aviation. We actively support our customers in the implementation of their projects in the aviation sector – in a practical, uncomplicated and cooperative manner. From the first contact to market entry, we are at your side – with experience, network and implementation power.

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 911 47494949
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn

Out of the crisis, into the fray? Automotive goes defense.

2 Min.

In the coming months, one area will certainly not be cut back: defense. The buzzword “special funds” has long since found its way into political talk shows – and with three-digit billion sums set to flow into armaments projects, the local defense industry is also picking up speed.

Desire and changing perspectives

Where there is suddenly so much money involved, other sectors are naturally also looking over with curiosity – right at the forefront: the (still not entirely carefree) automotive industry. And that’s not so far-fetched.

Many medium-sized suppliers from the automotive sector in particular have expertise that can be worth its weight in gold in the defense industry. Processes, materials, efficiency – all of this can be transferred to military applications with a little adaptation.

Bridging the gap: Automotive meets defense

But where exactly is help needed?
And what can an entry into the defense sector look like in concrete terms?

This is exactly where we come in. Not only do we help you to strategically expand your own portfolio and realign your corporate brand accordingly – we also know the right people on both sides. As a door opener and source of inspiration, we bring together what fits together.

Ready for the next step?

Whether you are a curious supplier or an experienced automotive professional with ambitions: If you sense potential in the defense industry, then we should talk now. The market is just getting rolling – and those who get in early will be ahead of the game later.

 

Curious now?
Our contact persons will be happy to help:

Matthias Brinkmann
+49 (0)911 / 47 49 49 49
brinkmann@twobe.de
LinkedIn