Tucked away in the North East of England, our small town has become the birthplace of a project that will change the way the world remembers history. Digital Edge, based on Newton Aycliffe Business Park, has played a pivotal role in creating the Holocaust Testimony UK (HTUK) website, a ground-breaking platform commissioned by the British Government to preserve and share survivor testimonies.
This innovative portal, launched in December 2024, not only showcases the technical expertise of our community, but also highlights the profound impact a small-town business can have on the global stage.
The Holocaust Testimony UK project was spearheaded by Lord Pickles, the UK’s Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, and the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR). It brings together testimonies from Holocaust survivors and refugees, consolidating decades of archival materials into a single, accessible resource. The initiative ensures the voices of survivors are preserved for future generations. Michael Newman, Chief Executive of the AJR, described the project as a monumental achievement, saying, “For the first time, the portal will bring together testimonies from Holocaust survivors and refugees in a consolidated resource that will enable visitors to access critical life stories about the darkest chapter in Jewish and world history.”
For Digital Edge, the project was a huge privilege. The team was tasked with integrating content from 22 world-leading archives, each with its own unique requirements and approval processes. Despite initial doubts from stakeholders about whether such a complex project could be achieved, Digital Edge demonstrated that creativity, determination, and technical innovation could overcome the odds.
This commitment to excellence earned Digital Edge a seat at the table with government officials and international partners. Co-founders Ian and Graham were invited to Lancaster House in London to meet those involved in this critical initiative. Reflecting on the experience, they expressed immense pride in their team and the significance of contributing to a project of such global importance.
The Holocaust Testimony UK website is more than just an archive; it is a living, evolving resource. The platform features interactive maps that trace survivor movements across the globe, advanced search functions that allow users to explore specific parts of interviews, and cross-referencing tools that provide deeper insights into the stories. These innovations make it an invaluable tool for educators, historians, and families seeking to understand the lives and legacies of those who experienced unimaginable atrocities.
This level of sophistication was made possible through the robust capabilities of the Wix platform. Digital Edge, recognised as one of the UK’s leading Wix-based agencies, used its expertise in Wix Velo to create a site that is both user-friendly and scalable.
The website’s primary goal is to ensure that the testimonies of survivors and refugees are accessible to all. With nearly 300 testimonies recorded over the past two decades, the platform serves as a vital educational resource and a tool for combating misinformation.
This achievement demonstrates the potential of small-town businesses to make a global impact. Digital Edge has shown that innovation and purpose can come together to create something extraordinary, regardless of location. The project has not only preserved history, but has also boosted our town’s reputation as a hub of digital creativity and excellence.
As we step into 2025, the team at Digital Edge looks forward to continuing their journey of innovation and impact. If you’d like to explore the Holocaust Testimony UK website, visit:
www.holocausttestimony.org.uk.
For those inspired by what’s possible, Digital Edge invites you to get in touch and explore how their expertise can help bring extraordinary ideas to life – https://www.wearedigitaledge.co.uk/contact-us
or telephone 01325 524 789.