Jonathan Bland

"I think this a great awards scheme that profiles some fantastic businesses that can inspire other people. One of the things we have to do is to raise awareness and this award scheme is a real example of how we can do that.

"Social enterprises have a huge future in finding that third way between the public and private sectors. A company using an enterprise model can connect with and empower communities to have better services but keep the public spirit in the delivery of those services."

Hetan Shah

"The presentation was fun but it did not bring out the full research. The real cutting edge area of social enterprise now is the bridge between social enterprise and corporate social responsibility. I would like to see more of the bigger ethical businesses, like Café Direct, which have the potential to transform markets."

Neil Crofts

"Upstarts brings together a group of people who need support and a lot of that support can come from each other. We can go back to our work feeling stronger because of that.

"I was really impressed with Shared Interest, I think it is a fantastic business model that can persuade investors to part with £20 million for a largely social return."

Ellie Stonely

"I am not sure how much New Statesman readers are aware of social enterprise, but I would like to think the event is expanding the reach of the sector.

"Liverpool city council impressed me because councils are often very risk-averse and very nervous of going with anybody other than IBM. Because of the greater accountability in the public sector, the risk of using a social enterprise can be perceived to be too great."