Our CEO Cedric Bloch Wins CEO of the Year
Sir Stelios, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, and Leonard Cheshire are thrilled to announce that Cedric Bloch, CEO of Brigit’s Bakery, has been awarded the prestigious title of CEO of the Year at the 16th Disabled Entrepreneur Awards.
Cedric's Story
Cedric commenced his racing career as a Caterham car racer, winning many races, podiums, and fastest laps for three years. In 2018, he switched to motorcycle racing and went straight to the top in Bemsee Racing. As a result of his track success, Cedric moved to join the professional circuit joining the BSB Supersport Championships.
In 2022, during qualifying for the Quattro Group British Supersport and British GP2 Championship Snetterton race, Cedric had a tragic accident caused by brake failure from a missing mechanical screw. He spent over 18 months in the hospital, with over 20 broken bones and over 10 surgeries. As a result of his accident, Cedric's been left with a life-changing spinal cord injury and is unable to move from the waist down.
At home, Cedric is a loving father to 6-year-old Natalie and 3-year-old Leo. He lives with his partner, Daria in their North London flat. Cedric has an incredibly close family and likes to spend as much time with them as possible. They have been the driving force in his rehabilitation and determination to get back behind the wheel again and compete amongst able-bodied rivals.
Cedric and Brigit's Bakery
Cedric’s determination has been the driving force behind his success. Despite facing immense challenges and obstacles after his accident, he has continued to grow Brigit’s Bakery. With his passion for making people smile, he's cemented the reputation of our iconic Afternoon Tea London sightseeing Bus Tours and beloved Covent Garden bakery.
Winning the 1st prize of £100,000 at the Stelios Awards is a well-deserved recognition of Cedric’s hard work and dedication. And we're thrilled to say that the prize money will enable him to create even better experiences for disabled people. Cedric will continue to ensure that Brigit’s Bakery remains at the forefront of inclusivity and accessibility in the business world.
Brigit's Bakery and the first wheelchair-friendly sightseeing Bus Tour
In 2024, Cedric introduced the first wheelchair-friendly sightseeing bus to the Brigit’s Bakery fleet. This makes our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours and private hire experiences more accessible to disabled individuals.
Our adapted Routemaster bus offers a unique Afternoon Tea experience that celebrates inclusivity and accessibility. The modifications to the bus include a ramp for wheelchair access. This allows for one wheelchair user to sit securely at Table 4. We also have additional seating available for two wheelchair users who can transfer to table seats. Guests can book the wheelchair-friendly tours by contacting the booking team directly. Brigit's Bakery also offers the wheelchair-friendly bus for private hire, accommodating up to three wheelchair users for events and celebrations.
The inclusive and accessible nature of the tour showcases Brigit's Bakery's commitment to providing welcoming and accommodating spaces for all guests. By leading the way in accessibility and inclusivity, we set a high standard for creating memorable and enriching experiences for individuals of all abilities.
Championing inclusivity
As you can see, at Brigit’s Bakery, inclusivity is more than just a buzzword – it is a core value that shapes every aspect of the business. Cedric’s dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued translates into the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service to all customers, regardless of their abilities.
Cedric’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination to overcome adversity. His commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of disabled individuals is truly admirable. By putting disability at the heart of his brand, Cedric has paved the way for a more inclusive and accessible society.
As CEO of the Year, Cedric embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. His ability to turn challenges into opportunities and inspire others to follow their dreams sets him apart as a true leader in the business world. By championing diversity and inclusivity, Cedric is not only changing the narrative around disability but also setting a new standard for what it means to be a successful entrepreneur.
Helping improve disabilities and equality in motorsports
Not one to stay idle for too long, Cedric has returned to playing golf and he's also lined up to compete in the 2028 Paralympics. In the meantime, Cedric’s dream is to compete amongst able-bodied drivers in the TRC UK Touring Car Championships.
He has great connections and visibility in the motorsport world and is truly motivated to help find a cure for spinal cord injuries like his. This is why he's working closely with charities such as Red Bull’s Wings for Life. Cedric has received great support and encouragement to get back behind the wheel from the likes of Horacio Pagani, Stephan Winkelmann, Christian Horner, Sergio Perez, and David Coulthard. And his first race is in Silverstone in August 2024!
Team Brit and Simon Green Motorsport
Cedric has also built strong ties with Team Brit – an organisation that supports, inspires, and motivates people facing physical and
psychological challenges by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport. They have created special hand controls that can
be used in motorsport vehicles to allow drivers like Cedric to complete alongside able-bodied drivers.
Simon Green Motorsport (founded and run by Professional Racer Simon Green) is also part of Ced’s Racing Team. Simon is known in the industry for his attention to detail in the build of his cars and how they perform on track. They have a rich history in Motorsport racing all over the world.
Cedric cannot race without sponsors - these are invaluable to getting him back behind the wheel for his racing career. We have bespoke sponsorship packages to suit every person/business. Our aim is provide our sponsors with great exposure and visibility both via the motorsport world, plus additional opportunities through Brigit’s Bakery. Our sponsorship deal includes a complimentary private hire of a classic Routemaster Buses from Brigit’s Bakery. If you want to find out more, please contact our team directly.
Paving the way for a more inclusive future
As we celebrate Cedric’s remarkable achievements, let's also applaud the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles. Cedric’s story serves as a beacon of hope for all those facing challenges in their own lives. Through his attitude and his work, he shows that with great courage and resilience, anything is possible.
We're incredibly proud to have Cedric as our CEO. And we're excited to see where his vision and leadership will take Brigit’s Bakery in the future. With his innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, we have no doubt that Cedric will continue to inspire others. He's already made a lasting impact on the business world, and he'll continue to do so!
We congratulate Cedric on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating his continued success in the years to come. Thank you, Cedric, for being an inspiration to us all!
Please join us in congratulation Cedric on winning the Stelios Award's 1st prize at the 16th Disabled Entrepreneur Awards.
