From the outside it looks like the home of a Lord of the Manor.

But inside Glyde House is one of the most modern and forward-thinking business environments in the district.

The Gumption business centre, which officially opened on Friday, is already home to several businesses and interest is being sparked beyond the BD postcode area.

On paper Gumption is a place where fledgling businesses can set up shop and get the advice and support they need to get off to the best start.

In reality however it is far, far more.

Its owners and directors John Sims and David Robertson-Brown have been helping people start and run businesses in Bradford for years.

Mr Sims is previously known for his work with Business Link and the Bradford Chamber while Mr Robertson-Brown has worked in strategic marketing and business advice services in the region for some time.

What makes Gumption so different is that it is a centre for would-be entrepreneurs, run by entrepreneurs.

The pair, who have worked together on numerous projects over the years, met literally on each other's doorsteps when Mr Sims moved next door to Mr Robertson-Brown.

After years of discussing the idea both men decided to give it a shot.

Mr Robertson-Brown said: "We have pulled everything we personally have into this project and into Bradford. We really wanted to walk the walk rather than just talk the talk.

"We don't just rent people offices. That is what differentiates us from other business centres. This place really is a centre for entrepreneurs, run by entrepreneurs."

Mr Sims said: "We thought long and hard about this place. We did not just want this to be a place of business, with people walking around looking miserable.

"This was never to be about ticking boxes - it was about putting businesses on the right pathway."

This laid-back approach and attitude appears to be paying early dividends.

Already, half of the business units at Gumption are full, with companies working in fields as diverse as finance, film production and security systems, all based in the building.

Gumption aims to provide would-be businesses with every step of help they will need. People can call in to seek advice on how to start up. Later they can use the centre's virtual office set up to give them a business address and gain credibility in the commercial world.

They can use the centre for business meetings and make use of its hot desks. And, when ready for a permanent base, they can let an office.

Both men enthuse about one of their early success stories; a company which has swelled its staff numbers from two to 20 in the brief three months it has been based at Gumption.

"We get a big kick out of a thing like that," Mr Sims said. "If there is funding available to people, then we will know about it and we can point them in the right direction.

"Their success is our success."

And news of this success is spreading.

Already a local authority has approached the pair about taking the Gumption brand and business model to other parts of the country.

While rapid growth maybe part of their strategy, the pair's future is very much to continue in Bradford.

Mr Robertson-Smith is from the South of England and Mr Sims hails from New York.

However both men have chosen Bradford as their preferred destination for the company.

Mr Sims said: "David and I believe in Bradford. There is just so much activity in Bradford and everything about the place is just right for us.

"With the regeneration and the investment happening here, we would not want to be based anywhere else."

Mr Robertson-Smith added: "There is a real positive smell in the city at the moment. We may move elsewhere but our headquarters will always be in Bradford."