An idea borrowed from Down Under by a pair of Bradford brothers is revolutionising the house mortgaging business.

It was in 1998 that Richard Purnell and Graham Newby first introduced a lifestyle-focused, Australian-style system to Yorkshire by setting up Mortgage Elimination Services (MES) UK.

The firm was born from a chance meeting between the step-brothers and the directors of MES's Australian parent company, who were in the district considering setting up a UK base.

In less than three years the business has grown from a part-time venture to one which employs more than 50 people and generates more than £30 million of mortgages a year.

Operations director Richard Purnell said: "What's new about this is the way it produces a unique business plan for each customer, taking into account their lifestyle needs, and helping their money work for them right through until the end of the mortgage. We aim to make householders much more financially aware and show them how to handle the best flexible mortgages available."

After agreeing a budget with each client, the firm holds regular meetings to make sure the plan is being kept to and, if necessary, makes adjustments.

Mr Purnell says customers, who pay a starting fee followed by annual charges - returned if the firm fails to meet its targets - range from professionals wanting to increase their spending power to those keen to get out of arrears.

To accommodate its continuing growth the firm will move from its Clayton base to premises in Westgate on Monday. The offices will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq, on Thursday, August 2.