NEW College Nottingham has always had an energy since it was formed and moved its base into the Adams Building in the Lace Market.

Its first two leaders were honoured – Dame Pat Morgan- Webb followed by the newly-knighted Sir Geoff Hall.

NCN has never rested on its laurels and the new principal and chief executive Amarjit Basi has moved quickly by announcing a new strategy for the college, showing he is not afraid of change. He sets out his vision and thinking on page 8.

It is to concentrate education and training on five clusters which broadly align with Nottingham's business profile and the skills they demand. NCN has 20,000 students and is in a position to make a major contribution to transforming the long-term prosperity of the city and county.

A key plank of the strategy is to link the academies to employers such as Boots and Experian so they can take on staff with the appropriate skills. It sends out the right message.

Employers frequently complain they cannot find the right skills despite high unemployment in parts of the city.

One of the clusters anticipates a mini-boom in construction fuelled by building the tram, The Hub at the railway station, widening the A453 and refurbishing the Broadmarsh.

Boots has said it wants to create an academy at Beeston for health and wellbeing. NCN is ready and waiting.

The strategy contains much common sense and it is critical that business engages with the college – and education – to help it with its ambition.

Earlier this month, the CBI moved its headquarters to NCN's Adams Building. The Institute of Directors is now based at Nottingham Trent University. These moves send a loud message to employers to get involved with education.