Central Victorian Mercantile managing director Leigh Stevens built his business up over the past 10 years to include 12 employees, an office in central Bendigo and company cars. But the coronavirus pandemic has forced him to stand down his staff as his industry has been left out of government support packages. While Mr Stevens was able to receive JobKeeper payments, since they ended, his business has plummeted and in July he recorded his worst month in his history. READ MORE: "I've got no issues with the lockdown and I don't want any favours," he said. "I just don't see how my business missed out on these government supports. "I'm trying to do everything right by my staff by paying them for some of the time we're in lockdown but I just to see the other side where they say here's something for you." When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Central Victorian Mercantile lost 70 per cent of their income overnight. From travelling through the region and dealing one-on-one with people about their financial situations, the debt collecting business came to halt. Mr Stevens said he has no qualms with the state government taking the necessary health precautions to keep the community safe from the virus, he just doesn't understand why his business doesn't fall under the categories to receive a financial boost. "I've spoken to my local member Jacinta Allan and Business Victoria about my situation," he said. "In response I got a generic email reply from Jacinta Allan's office saying how the state government had spent millions on businesses but not one dollar has gone to me. "Come talk to me and I will show you how this is affecting me. I understand there's risk in business but I don't understand how a brothel can get a $5000 support grant and I can't." The father-of-five said he still holds out hope the government support packages would look into his industry and see many tax collection businesses were missing out on support, but feared it was almost too late. "I've lost staff and once again I've been forced to stand down all my staff until the end of lockdown," he said. "It's obvious we're not in this together and it's a real kick in the guts." Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
