Our Heritage
Our Evolution: A Century of Innovation
Founded in 1906 by William John England, William J England & Son Ltd (commonly known as WJ England) initially focused on importing essential food supplies like flour and sugar, distributing them across Malta through a network of wholesalers. The company also provided shipping and insurance services. While our roots aren’t in IT, we take pride in how we’ve evolved over the years.
Post-War Expansion
After World War II, WJ England diversified its offerings. The company expanded into blankets and carpets, becoming the sole agent for several renowned brands. By the early ’60s, we had established a comprehensive distribution network across the Maltese islands and added ceramic tiling to our product range, representing top names such as Ricchetti and Fendi.
As the company grew, Henry P England led the shipping and insurance operations, while his brother Paul W England spearheaded the tiling and soft furnishings division.
Embracing Technology
The late 1970s and early 1980s brought a shift in focus towards technology, with WJ England investing in IT to streamline operations. In 1981, following the Insurance Business Act, we separated our insurance activities into a new entity, England Insurance Agency Limited. Henry P England led this new company, with Paul W England continuing to drive growth in other areas.
Entering the Digital Age
With the rise of cellular technology in the early 1990s, WJ England became a key distributor for Fonerange, Elite Mobile, and European Telecom, establishing itself as a major player in the cellular market.
The year 2000 marked significant changes within the company. Henry and Paul England retired from daily operations but continued as consultants. They were succeeded by William J England and Peter E England. During this period, shifts in insurance legislation led us to reintroduce long-term insurance policies into our business mix.
Recognizing the potential of the internet, WJ England ventured into online services, including Domain Registration, Web Hosting, and Network Monitoring, through the establishment of WJ Domains. We also explored Voice Over IP technology to meet our own telecommunications needs.
