Developing Rural Talent for a Thriving Community in Lincolnshire.

At the heart of our vision for the South Ormsby Estate is the development of local talent, equipped with the AI and digital skills that modern industries demand.

While many young people feel they must leave for technology hubs like London, Cambridge, Manchester, Oxford, or Glasgow to build their careers, we believe they should have the opportunity to stay, grow, and thrive in their own community.

The Praetorium – our Rural AI and Digital Skills Centre – is our commitment to making that a reality. We are creating a centre where people of all ages can gain the skills that are shaping the future—right here in Lincolnshire. From AI and technology skills to business and digital readiness, our programmes will help close the UK’s skills gap, ensuring that opportunities are not just found in distant cities, but within our own community.

By providing training, mentorship, and real-world applications of AI and technology, we aim to create a sustainable, thriving rural economy. Our goal is to empower individuals, attract investment, and build a future where local talent can stay, work, and succeed without leaving the place they call home.

The Praetorium – Rural AI and Digital Skills Centre

We want to create something unique — a centre where people of all ages can explore the power of artificial intelligence and digital skills in a way that is relevant, practical, and rooted in our rural community. From school workshops to business innovation sessions and engaging with people who are retired, this is a place for everyone to learn, create, and grow.

Why Praetorium?

In Roman times, the Praetorium was the headquarters of a commander — a place of leadership, coordination, and decision-making. It was where strategies were formed, and where leaders brought people together to shape the future. This legacy inspired us to name our centre The Praetorium.

Just like its ancient namesake, our Praetorium is a hub of purpose and possibility. It brings together people, ideas, and resources to empower our local communities with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in a digital world.

WHY – Our Purpose

We believe rural communities deserve the same digital opportunities as urban centres. The Praetorium exists to:

• Empower people of all ages with meaningful digital and AI skills
• Foster innovation and creativity in a supportive environment
• Strengthen local communities and unlock new potential

Ultimately, we want to make South Ormsby Estate and the surrounding areas an even better place to live, work, and play.

HOW – Our Approach

We want to be different and not just another business centre. Our aim is to be a facilitator for learning, and help the community to work together.

• Multi-Generational Learning – From children to older adults, learning has no age limit
• Nurting Young Talent – Mentorship, pathways, explore AI
• Community-First – Built with and for the needs of rural Lincolnshire
• Accessible – Technology made useful, relevant, and even fun
• Collaborative – Blending innovation with heritage, and empowering people to build the future together

WHAT – The Praetorium in Action

• Courses & Workshops: Hands-on training in digital literacy, coding, AI, and more
• Hotdesking & Office Spaces: Affordable, flexible workspaces for local entrepreneurs, freelancers and individuals keen to escape working from home and being part of a community
• Youth Programmes: Inspiring the next generation through mentorship and exploratory learning
• Community Events: Clubs, talks, and hackathons that bring people together across generations

We want the Praetorium to be a hub where ideas, generations and futures connect.

We’re just getting started — and we want your input.
What do you want to see at The Praetorium?
Let’s shape it together.

Come and visit us at one of our events. Please register here: https://praetorium-southormsbyestate.eventbrite.com/

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sabrina Kelly, our Manager for the Praetorium here : praetorium@southormsbyestate.co.uk