Complete Campsite: Lisarow company in liquidation, blames COVID-19
A Central Coast high-end camper trailer manufacturer has gone into liquidation with the owners citing COVID-19 as delivering the fatal blow. SEARCH OUR FULL LIST OF NSW BUSINESS INSOLVENCIES.
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A family run, high-end camper trailer manufacturer on the Central Coast has gone into liquidation with almost $1 million in debts following a devastating run of cancelled orders and the indefinite postponement of trade shows.
The directors of Lisarow-based The Complete Campsite, husband and wife team Grant and Jodie Joyce, employed 19 people at their factory.
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The employees are priority creditors, meaning they will get paid first when the company’s assets are liquidated.
They are owed a total of $160,000 in wages and entitlements.
The Australian Tax Office, owed $216,000 is one of the main creditors of the company which made wildly popular boutique models such as the Exodus 16 which retailed for more than $120,000.
Unsecured creditors with sizeable claims on the company include Bluewater Cruising Yachts owed $117,000, Trend Investments Tuggerah owed $21,800, Victorian awning company Domestic owed $15,000, Goodyear Auto Care Gosford owed $11,300, Hi Tech Electrical Wyong owed $12,500 and Vehicle Components Geebung owed $10,700.
The liquidation is being overseen by Shumit Banerjee of Westbury Advisory who said the pandemic was largely responsible for the downfall of the business.
“Initial investigations indicate a large fall in revenue attributed to COVID impact, cancellation of trade shows which was a big driver of new work,” he said.
Mr Banerjee urged other businesses in a similar situation to get help now.
“Now is a critical time for all businesses affected by the pandemic,” he said.
“Seek advice now, don’t leave it until its too late, as any chance of a business surviving through a restructure needs early action and consultation. The most qualified to do this are ARITA members/ Insolvency Practitioners like Westburn Advisory.”
The well respected Joyce family took to social media to confirm they were closing their doors.
“Unfortunately, the news going around about the fate of Complete Campsite is true. It has been a very difficult and devastating decision for us and we are grateful for the support shown by so many so far,” they wrote.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no trade show since the end of February and with the announcement of the Perth show cancellation and subsequent lockdowns around Australia, we had half a dozen orders cancelled pretty much immediately.
“This, in addition to several completed campers not being collected nor fully paid for due to border closures and the cancellation of more and more trade shows has greatly impacted our little business.
“So, COVID-19 is the REASON not the EXCUSE for the situation we unfortunately find ourselves in.”
The Joyces said they were proud of their 20 years producing Australian made trailers.
“This is most definitely not the way we would have chosen to bow out of this business, but it is what it is, and we will do whatever we can to see the legacy of Complete Campsite continue in some form or another.
“We would like to thank the amazing staff, incredible customers (past, present and future), and our friends and family – you all helped in making Complete Campsite the success it was.”
The post was met with an outpouring of support from their loyal customers and received more than 600 likes.
“So devastated for you both. Your Campers have been a major part of our families lives and we thank you for that,” wrote Nicole Ferry.
“Loved our camper. Couldn’t fault the quality. Thank you for helping us make our many memories in the outback,” wrote Renee Mumberson.