The Juniper Development Group is a diverse property development group based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Founded by Graeme Juniper, the organisation’s property portfolio includes both residential properties and commercial developments. The Group has achieved success in what many would consider a challenging industry, achieving this via its core business principles of conceptualising, developing, marketing and constructing projects in Australia’s world-renowned locations. Juniper Development Group’s capabilities also extend to managing and operating a retail lease portfolio of businesses located along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, including Avenue J Jewellery, Waterfall Day Spa and Yoghurt & Gelato World.
As a landlord and owner of multiple retail shops, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Juniper Development Group’s trading and revenue streams. The forced closure of retail premises saw the majority of the Group’s tenants and retail shops facing tough times. To respond, Juniper Development Group needed to quickly provide its tenants with up-to-date information on both State and Federal Government stimulus packages and the resulting legal requirements.
Adele Townsend and BDO’s Tax Team, who have been supporting Juniper Development Group for more than eight years, acted swiftly to collate and package the information tenants needed about the various COVID-19 stimulus packages. Adele then educated the Group’s leaders on the relevant information from the stimulus measures, allowing for deferral of rent and rent subsidies to be provided to tenants.
Mr Juniper explained this proactivity, led by Adele, was what laid the foundation for Juniper Development Group‘s resilience during the peak of the pandemic. He and his team never asked Adele for the information, she provided it knowing it was what the Group needed during those challenging times.
“The future will require hard work” says Graeme Juniper. “Flexibility and stamina are the only way forward, and Adele Townsend with her BDO team will be there to provide support in all areas of our business when we need it the most.”
While COVID-19 has momentarily impacted the Juniper Development Group, its journey and partnership with Adele and her team continue. As the doors to their retail spaces reopen and work begins on construction for a new development in Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast, the Juniper Development Group is looking towards expanding its portfolio once again.
If you are looking for full tax compliance backed by commercial experience, or you would like to learn more about maintaining operations throughout the COVID-19 disruption, contact a BDO taxation specialist today.
