Cities cannot function without connections. Originally founded at economic junctions where trade routes met, they have now become more a meeting of minds, where ideas are the new currency. These connections determine capacity to prosper in ever expanding markets. The digital highway is increasingly important. Nevertheless physical connections are still crucial to success.
Nottingham is positioned at the centre of the country, near to the M1, England's north-south spine, with rail links to London, Birmingham, Manchester and soon Europe, and international connections via Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
In common with the rest of the country, Nottingham's transport structure is becoming inadequate. Both the M1 that runs past the city and the A453 - our link to the airport - are heavily congested, while our station and train services are not sufficient for our needs. Major Government transport studies are being carried out around the area, but any action is not likely to be quick.
Working in the transport areas that they are able to influence, the City and County Councils have produced a radical plan for improvement. Their joint Local Transport Plan was given the country's highest mark in the Government's latest scoring system. It is backed by the Greater Nottingham Transport Partnership - a unique organisation that includes councils, large local companies, the Chamber of Commerce and the health sector.
The GNTP runs The Big Wheel, a marketing and communications arm that explains the conurbation's vision for a transport system that connects buses, trains, trams, cars, taxis, walking and cycling. Transport interchanges are planned in the city centre and round the ring road. The first integrated tickets - firstly on NCT buses and NET trams, and secondly all bus companies, the tram and some trains with the Kangaroo card, have been introduced, too.
The Big Wheel also encourages a shift away from car use to greener ways of travelling - including pioneering work with the local press and transport operators offering cut price travel on public transport.
Almost alone in the country, road traffic is declining in Nottingham, although only very slightly, while bus use is rising. Tackling congestion is seen as a key factor in preserving a high quality environment where local companies can grow and more companies will want to move in.
Transport has important connections to the health of the conurbation, too, both in air quality and in encouraging people to take more exercise, a great Government concern.
Recent achievements include the launch of NET Line One, a fourteen kilometre regeneration corridor, stretching from former coalfield communities, through deprived inner city areas, to the opportunities of the city centre. The City Council's Link bus system has also started, with free services round both hospitals and a neighbourhood service that can be phoned to pick you up at home. Further Link services will soon be introduced. All will connect with the commercial operators' services, providing links to major employment sites, as well as socially useful services.
Another innovation is the Skylink express bus service, connecting the city centre with Nottingham East Midlands Airport. Funded by emda, the airport and the City Council, the Skylink dodges congestion on the A453 by taking alternative routes as needed. As well as offering a prestige service to tourists and business visitors, it connects Nottingham residents with growing employment opportunities at the airport.
In an information age where markets are often virtual, other connections have to be digital. Accelerate Nottingham is leading an ambitious programme to implement broad band internet connections across in industry, commerce, education and in communities.
This has vital implications for the future of the city, allowing individual businesses and the new hi-tech sectors to reach their full potential.
It is also important that local communities are connected to local, national and international forums - particularly those that are excluded, either because of a rural location, or economically, in the city's outer estates.
Future plans include "wireless clouds" where any user can connect to the internet through a mobile phone, whether at work, studying, shopping or even in bars. This represents a step change in connectivity that opens up new vistas for ideas sharing and social interchange.
Human connectivity, too, is central to a successful city. It is certainly recognised as a key element of a Core City. Part of the pleasure of city life is the opportunity for cultural connections.
Sometimes this exchange of ideas will be an economic necessity, particularly for clusters of new industries who will thrive through a complex blend of competition and co-operation.
Cultural exchange can be enriching, too, both personally and socially. It lifts life, it increases our respect for others and it engenders mutual appreciation.
Nottingham is fortunate to have many cultures and communities within its boundaries. It could, and should, do more to celebrate them.