JML Developments owner Mark Lees says he has ‘lost everything’ after building company closes shortly after daughter’s Mt Lofty wedding

The director of two failed home building companies closed his businesses shortly after his daughter’s wedding, claiming he has “lost everything”.

A screen grab of JML Developments director Mark Lees, taken from a company promotional video, who says he has “lost everything” with the collapse of his home building empire. Picture: YouTube

• JML Developments makes no apology for clients, customers
• GJ Gardner Homes Onkaparinga branch collapses

The director of two failed home building companies closed his businesses shortly after celebrating his daughter’s wedding and has claimed he “lost everything”.

But JML Developments (SA) and JML Home Constructions director Mark Lees said he did not pay for his daughter Lauren’s wedding at prestigious Mt Lofty House earlier this month.

“The money came from overseas, I have text messages and emails to prove it,” he said, adding that the last few weeks have been “trying”, before hanging up on The Advertiser.

The Advertiser has obtained an email Mr Lees, who is originally from Manchester in the UK, sent to a contractor saying he had lost everything but also cited a lack of support from contractors and suppliers.

Mt Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills, SA. Picture: Supplied

In the March 13 email — sent 11 days after his daughter married a former JML employee and a day after his companies were wound up owing more than $2 million — Mr Lees said his decision to end the business was done with a “heavy heart”.

“The sad part about it all is if we would have had the support from some contractors and suppliers, with future work we had, we would have got through it,” he wrote.

“Towards the end everything was building against us, it is difficult to trade when one customer does not pay, never mind two to a tune of $150,000.

“There were also a number of contractors not going back to site to finish off the work, which if they had would have brought in another $100,000, although in there (sic) eyes I can understand why but it seriously would have helped immensely.

“Over the last few months we cut staff from 11 to six, one of which did you guys no good at all, which is why one customer was not paying.”

The Advertiser reported yesterday that JML Developments had posted a message on its Facebook page to “valued clients, contractors and friends” wishing them “all the best” for the future but stopping short of an apology.

A summary of company’s affairs lodged with ASIC revealed that JML Developments and JML Home Constructions — trading as GJ Gardner Homes Onkaparinga — owe $1,324,494 and $964,278 respectively.

In his email Mr Lees said he tried “very hard towards the end” but had “no choice”.

“The worst part about it is that it may have taken up to 6 months but you would have all been paid up … hopefully there will be some for you guys if the liquidator can get the money in,” he wrote.

“The only thing I can do for now is promote your business where I can. Again apologies and thank you.”