Tricycles for trucks, city farms, shelf labellers and a company creating jobs from ‘deconstruction’ are among 10 venture pitch quarter finalists competing for the big social enterprise investment

Ed Miliband's recent pledge that gas and electricity bills would be frozen for all householders and businesses for 20 months if Labour wins power, has kickstarted a rethink of economic policy and energy. As  the debate veers towards "big state vs big business" the Social Economy Alliance warn that the UK risks stifling innovation and getting left behind while the rest of the world moves on.

This week Pioneers Post is supporting Chilly's Bottles, a crowd-funded venture by two young entrepreneurs – James and Tim – to bring eco-friendly water bottles to the UK.

Eleven social enterprise teams who competed in an intensive mentoring programme win significant investment and ongoing business support.

Big Issue Invest and Unity Trust Bank announce £4.3m investment in Sandwell care charity