A new era begins...
A new era begins at The Highfield as Laura and Jake take the reins. As the owners of VSM Consultancy - an award-winning creative agency with a proven track record in marketing wedding venues and growing successful businesses, they bring a wealth of experience and a fresh, ambitious vision.
Now, it’s time to put that expertise into action, positioning The Highfield firmly on the map. With a clear focus on delivering exceptional 5-star service, their aim is to create unforgettable weddings, next-level stays, and elite corporate events, setting a new standard for hospitality in East Yorkshire.
Our journey to The Highfield
Laura and Jake bring a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared vision to The Highfield. Laura’s career began at just 16 at The Grand Hotel & Spa in York, then Yorkshire’s only 5* hotel, where exceptional service and attention to detail were second nature. This early exposure shaped her deep-rooted understanding of true 5* guest experience and the operations of a 3 Rosette Fine Dining Restaurant. She later moved into luxury sales within LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), before joining a global events agency, sparking the ambition to launch her own business. In 2017, VSM Consultancy was born, supporting venues and brands across the weddings, events, and hospitality sectors through event management, venue consultancy, and marketing.
Jake’s journey brings a complementary and equally valuable skillset. From a background as a joiner to becoming a hair technician, he is a natural people person with a strong focus on team leadership, operations, and delivering seamless experiences.
Through his key role within the family-run business, Focusing Events, Jake has developed a hands-on, customer-focused approach - offering practical solutions and operational expertise that underpin everything we do.
Since late 2024, Laura and Jake have been searching for the perfect venue to acquire in East Yorkshire, a region they intentionally kept free from manor house projects, knowing the right opportunity would come.
After a near purchase in Flamborough fell through in summer 2025, they took a step back, only to discover The Highfield while away on holiday. From the very first viewing with Andy and Lindsey, it felt completely different. The warmth, passion, and care poured into the property was undeniable, and it was clear this was more than just a business - it was something truly special. After months of planning, late nights, and determination, they made it happen. Getting the keys to The Highfield felt like everything had finally fallen into place - and they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
“When we first saw The Highfield back in October 2025, we knew this venue was the one for us. We instantly felt at home and completely drawn to the property, it was everything we had been searching for. Andy and Lindsey have done an incredible job renovating it, and we’re so excited to continue their legacy and build on everything they’ve created.”
Laura
“The Highfield is a true hidden gem, and we’re passionate about sharing it with more people, collaborating with local businesses, and helping put Driffield firmly on the map as a must-visit destination and the Town of Culture!”
Jake
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Our Plans
Thoughtful Growth
Looking ahead, our vision for The Highfield is all about thoughtful growth while preserving the magic that makes it so special. We’re excited to welcome more weddings to the venue, carefully balancing this with the exclusive, intimate feel our guests love. With Laura’s strong background in corporate events, we’ll also be expanding into high-end corporate experiences, while Jake’s family team building business will see The Highfield become a hub for outdoor pursuits and unforgettable group activities.
Within VSM, our ethos has always been to help other businesses grow and with that, community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re looking forward to hosting family fun days, elegant summer soirées, and collaborating with local businesses to bring something truly special to the area. We’re also incredibly excited to introduce a brand-new Wellness Wing within the house, including a reformer Pilates studio... so watch this space!
We're beyond excited about the future of The Highfield
This is more than just a business to us - it’s a place we truly believe in, with so much potential to create unforgettable moments for every guest who walks through the doors. From weddings and stays to events and community experiences, we can’t wait to bring our vision to life and share this incredible journey with you.
