Since starting out back in 1972, Tekne have grown and developed beyond recognition - with a 32,000sq ft factory in Poole, we now employ over 150 people and have worked for some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels across the country. We're always looking to refine and improve processes and techniques to stay at the forefront of our craft. Take a look back through the last 50 year's worth of development at Tekne below.

  • In the beginning...
    Edd Sevestre and Martin Noble met at Drakes Shopfitting where they both completed their apprenticeships.
  • The Seventies
  • 1972
    Martin and Edd started in business together operating out of a garage as Tekne Construction Limited.
  • 1976
    Tekne Construction moved to their first proper home, an industrial unit in Bournemouth.
  • 1977
    Tekne Construction become members of the National Association of Shopfitters, a membership that endures to this day.
  • 1978
    Tekne take on their first Apprentice - and he's still with us to this day! Since 1978 Tekne have taken on Apprentices every year, with several recruits winning awards over the years.
  • 1979
    As the seventies draw to a close, Tekne have an annual turnover of £93,684.
  • The Eighties
  • 1982
    Tekne diversifies into the leisure and hospitality sectors combining project management with shopfitting skills and expertise.
  • 1983
    First large building contract including contract management was for Wimpy Burger Bars.
  • 1984
    Moved to a larger premises in Branksome.
  • 1986
    Installed new CNC system and machinery.
  • 1988
    AutoCAD implemented. Over the years we've kept up-to-date with the technology and now use 3D and building information modelling. Modern shopfitting is much more about precise engineering than construction and CAD/CAM integration is central to accuracy and efficiency.
  • 1989
    Turnover in 1989 exceeds £2m.
  • The Nineties
  • 1991
    Tekne Construction Limited becomes Tekne Shopfitting Limited.
  • 1995
    Tekne develop relationships with Bournemouth & Poole College where their apprentices receive their theory training and also with Bournemouth Arts Institute where future designers and architects begin their training. Adopting a long-term outlook to build relationships at an early stage and plan for the future of the industry.
  • 1998
    Tekne continue to grow and as part of their relationship with local education facilities conduct tours of the factory and tutorials for students. This allows them to observe a fully integrated manufacturing facility and see the transformation from design to product. We've helped students create sound studios, exhibition stands and futuristic beach huts!
  • 1999
    As the nineties draw to a close, Tekne have an annual turnover of £5,082,610.
  • The Noughties
  • 2005
    Tekne moves to a 32,000sq ft purpose-built state-of-the-art factory in Poole.
  • 2005
    Sustainability and the environment are central to the planning and construction of the new factory. A new biomass boiler is incorporated to increase efficiency and reduce waste, as a result less than 15% goes to landfill.
  • 2009
    Energy use reduced by 46% since the installation of the Ecogate Biomass system.
  • 2009
    Turnover at the end of 2009 exceeds £5m.
  • The 2010's
  • 2012
    Tekne complete work on Mark Hix's Tramshed restaurant. The converted sub-station quickly becomes one of the most famous restaurants in London thanks to Mark's incredible menu and Damien Hirst's iconic artworks.
  • 2016
    Tekne complete the renovation and fit-out of the Pig at Combe, one of our largest and most prestigious projects to date - the Grade I listed building and outhouses were converted into a 27 bedroom boutique hotel.
  • 2016
    Two new 5-axis CNC machines are installed in the Machine Shop at Tekne HQ. The pair of SCM Accord 25 FX's allow for faster, more detailed and accurate production than the previous machine allowed. Keeping Tekne at the forefront of machining technology.
  • 2017
    Tekne receive delivery of a new SCM Gabbiani S Beam Saw, this enables us to cut our sheet materials more effeciently and accurately than the previous beam saw.
  • 2018
    Still going strong! Proving that placing people and quality manufacturing at the heart of our business are key to providing the best possible service to our customers. Our business ethos combined with years of experience and know-how are key to maintaining clients and remaining competitive.
    • The 2020's
  • 2023
    We celebrate 50 years of excellence by continuing to provide unparralleled creativity with a bespoke, professional and highly driven service. With awareness of our responsibility to the world we are well equipped to provide sustainable solutions with FSC accreditation, extending our own contribution by running on renewable energy.