Landing Pad's revenue is now down more than 80 per cent.
As his business enters 2021 and international travel has still not returned, Mr Brass has made the difficult decision to exit the lease on one of his Melbourne hostels."We've come to the realisation that winning in this market looks like not losing everything. We see this as a full tactical retreat. There's no point operating when the market doesn't exist," he said."For us, avoiding bankruptcy is strategic. We have to avoid bankruptcy.
"As a small business operator, the existential threat of insolvency or bankruptcy is something I am aware of it. But really, it's about trying to pay staff and keep the lights on."Restructuring and insolvency expert Michael Sloane is another expert who is unsure if a wave of business failures will ever come in 2021."If there's enough fat and you have to cut back then there's enough there to survive.
"CBD-based hospitality and retail businesses are likely to experience delays in the return of city workers and reduced traffic volumes longer-term, making them another at-risk sector."