Coast to Coast Homes kitchen supplier Regency Custom Cabinets owes six staff wages, entitlements, says former employer

Staff of a kitchen cabinetry firm linked to failed builder Coast to Coast Homes are owed thousands of dollars in unpaid wages and entitlements, a former employee says.

Mary-Anne Richards', wife of former Regency Custom Cabinets employee Brian, attended an auction of company goods at its Croydon Park headquarters. Picture: Renato Castello

• Coast to Coast Homes closes kitchen firm Regency Custom Cabinets
• Coast to Coast Homes customers lose deposits following its collapse

Six staff of a kitchen cabinetry firm linked to failed builder Coast to Coast Homes are owed thousands of dollars in unpaid wages and entitlements, a former employee says.

Regency Custom Cabinets former production manager Brian Richards also said that some creditors were owed “six digits” by the joinery company established a year ago to build kitchens for Coast to Coast Homes.

But Mr Richards, who said he is owed about $3000 in holiday pay and wages, is worried he won’t see a cent of the money despite what he claims were assurances by director and Coast to Coast Homes manager Steven Craven.

“I had sent in a resignation letter so I could get my entitlements, he said he would not accept my resignation of me and other workers because he was going to put the business into liquidation,” he said. “That was just another bulls**t statement.”

Employees can claim wages and entitlements through the federal government once a building is liquidated.

Regency Custom Cabinets closed its doors on May 24, the same day that Coast to Coast Homes — operated by Mr Craven and his father Sean — was placed in liquidation owing debts, recently estimated at more than $5m.

Mr Richards, who found work the day he lost his jobm, feels particularly bad for his former colleagues who he encouraged to join Regency Custom Cabinets.

A firesale of company assets at its Croydon Park factory today netted at least $50,000 according to auctioneer Andrew Maros of Mason Gray Strange.

He had previously told The Advertiser that the auction was held under the instructions of a relative who had provided money to establish the business.

Mr Richards’ wife Mary-Anne Richards, who attended the auction, questioned the motive of the Cravens in closing down Regency Custom Cabinets.

“It just seems dodgy,” she said.

The Advertiser sought comment from Steven Craven.