Wings founder Rich Mason with Town Hall business chief Cllr Asima Shaikh

AN ethical food delivery platform is launching in Finsbury Park today (Friday).

Wings is owned and run by riders to ensure they stay in control.

The service pays all riders the London Living Wage and guarantees job security and sick pay – a move which contrasts with controversies surrounding other private delivery firms.

It also uses only zero-emissions vehicles. Founder Rich Mason, a former Deliveroo driver who lives in Holloway, said: “Pay and conditions for riders has been an issue for years, but the pandemic has meant we’ve really woken up to how important riders are – they’ve kept us all going.”

During the pandemic, Wings partnered with south London charity Pembroke House to deliver food for free.

“These big delivery companies are not as environmentally friendly as they should be, and they don’t have the interests of the local independent businesses at heart,” said Mr Mason.

“The climate crisis is getting more extreme and we all need to do our bit.”

The co-operative hopes to create over 100 jobs in its first two years.

“It’s been a real journey,” added Mr Mason. “A few years ago, I was in the gig economy and not knowing when the rent money would come in. Now, I hope Wings will create good jobs for people in the same position I was.”

Wings has received £20,000 seed funding from Islington Council to support its first six months.

Islington business chief, Councillor Asima Shaikh, said: “We’re very pleased to support the launch of Wings, an innovative and exciting ethical alternative to existing food delivery platforms. Our seed funding will help to get Wings started, and we look forward to working with Wings on their ambitious vision.”