Built by Family. Driven by a Dream.
Ctrl Alt Create is a small, family-run business based in Northumberland, created by me, Andy, and my son, Stefan.
Our journey began with a shared passion for gaming, technology, creativity and making things. We wanted to create something that combined the hobbies we love while building a business that celebrates imagination, learning and community.
From gaming and book-inspired merchandise to custom 3D printed creations, every item we create is designed with care and inspired by the things that bring people together.
❤️ From Our Family to Yours
Being a small family business means every product matters to us.
We take pride in creating unique designs, carefully preparing every order and bringing ideas to life. Whether we're designing a new product, creating a custom 3D print or experimenting with new creative ideas, we genuinely enjoy every part of the journey.
We believe the best ideas come from curiosity, creativity and a willingness to try something new.
🌟 More Than Just a Shop
While Ctrl Alt Create currently operates online, our vision has always been about creating something much bigger than a store.
Gaming has been part of my life since I was a child, and when my boys were growing up, I noticed there weren't many places locally where children who loved tabletop games, technology and creative hobbies could simply turn up, feel welcome and be themselves.
When my youngest son, Stefan, was diagnosed with ADHD, that vision became even more important. Like many parents, I wanted to find a place where he could enjoy his hobbies, build confidence and meet people who shared his interests. As I looked around, I realised that space didn't really exist in the way I imagined.
That's when the idea for Ctrl Alt Create truly began to take shape.
I wanted to create more than just a business. I wanted to build the kind of place where children, families, gamers and creators of all backgrounds—and especially those who sometimes feel like they don't quite fit in—can discover new hobbies, learn practical skills and feel part of a welcoming community.
That's the future we're working towards.
🎮 Our Vision
Our long-term dream is to create an inclusive gaming and creative hub in Northumberland—a welcoming space where people of all ages can play, learn, create and connect.
We imagine a place where people can:
🎲 Discover the magic of tabletop gaming.
💻 Learn how to build, upgrade and maintain their own PCs.
🖨️ Explore creativity through 3D printing and maker workshops.
📚 Share a love of books, gaming and creativity.
🤝 Make friends, learn new skills and feel part of a welcoming community.
We're under no illusion that this will happen overnight, but every order, every customer and every word of encouragement brings us one step closer.
💙 Why "Ctrl Alt Create"?
Our name reflects everything that inspires us.
Ctrl represents technology, computers and gaming.
Alt celebrates individuality, different perspectives and thinking creatively.
Create is at the heart of everything we do—designing, making and turning ideas into reality.
Together, they represent our belief that creativity and technology should be welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
🚀 Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
To create a welcoming community where people can Play. Read. Create. Belong.
Whether you're looking for a unique gaming gift, a personalised 3D printed creation, something inspired by your favourite books or simply want to follow our journey as it grows, we're delighted to have you here.
Thank you for supporting our family business and helping us turn a dream into something bigger.
If Ctrl Alt Create can help just one young person discover a hobby they love, build confidence or find a place where they truly belong, then we'll know we're building something worthwhile.
Andy
Founder & Maker
Andy is the founder of Ctrl Alt Create and the driving force behind its vision. A lifelong gamer, maker and creative thinker, he's passionate about building things, solving problems and bringing ideas to life—whether that's through 3D printing, DIY projects, technology or designing new products.
With a love of gaming, reading and hands-on creativity, Andy has always believed that hobbies have the power to inspire confidence, encourage learning and bring people together. That belief became the foundation of Ctrl Alt Create and continues to shape everything the business stands for.
Living with ADHD has given Andy a different perspective on creativity, problem-solving and the way people learn. Combined with his experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children, it strengthened his belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel welcome, valued and supported as they explore the hobbies they love.
Ctrl Alt Create was built with that vision in mind—a community where people can discover new interests, learn practical skills and enjoy gaming, creativity and technology in an environment where everyone belongs, regardless of their experience, background or the way they learn.
What Andy Brings to Ctrl Alt Create
🎮 Gaming & Community
A lifelong passion for gaming and a commitment to creating a welcoming community where people can connect through shared hobbies.
🖨️ Making & Technology
Designing products, running 3D printers and constantly exploring new ways to combine creativity with technology.
🔨 Building & Problem Solving
Whether it's DIY projects, custom creations or finding practical solutions, Andy enjoys turning ideas into reality and encouraging others to do the same.
💡 Vision & Leadership
Leading the long-term mission of Ctrl Alt Create—building more than a business by creating a place where people can play, read, create and belong.
Looking Ahead
For Andy, Ctrl Alt Create has never been just about selling products.
It's about creating opportunities for people to discover hobbies they love, build confidence, develop practical skills and find a community where they feel accepted.
The long-term dream is to create an inclusive gaming and creative hub in Northumberland where people of all ages can play tabletop games, learn new skills, explore technology, create together and build lasting friendships.
Every product, every conversation and every customer brings that dream one step closer.
"I've always believed the best communities are built around shared passions. If we can help just one person discover a hobby they love or find a place where they feel they belong, then we're building something worthwhile."
Stefan
Creative Assistant
Stefan is the Creative Assistant at Ctrl Alt Create, bringing a fresh perspective to the business through his passion for gaming, technology and creativity. As Andy's son, he's been part of the journey from the very beginning, helping shape ideas and offering valuable insight into the interests of younger gaming and creative communities.
With a love of gaming, anime, reading, photography and kickboxing, Stefan brings curiosity, imagination and a keen eye for detail to everything he works on. Whether he's helping develop new product ideas, testing designs or capturing behind-the-scenes moments through photography, his contributions help ensure Ctrl Alt Create stays connected to the communities we're building for.
What Stefan Brings to Ctrl Alt Create
🎮 Community Insight
Sharing the perspective of younger gamers and creators to help shape products, ideas and future community projects.
💡 Creative Ideas
Contributing to the development of new designs, collections and creative concepts inspired by gaming, books and pop culture.
🧪 Product Testing
Providing practical feedback on new products and ideas to help ensure they meet the standards and expectations of our customers.
📸 Photography & Content
Capturing images that showcase our products, projects and the journey behind Ctrl Alt Create.
Looking Ahead
Stefan's enthusiasm for creativity, storytelling and technology reflects everything Ctrl Alt Create stands for. As we continue to grow, he'll remain an important part of our journey, helping us build an inclusive community where people can explore their interests, learn practical skills and discover new creative opportunities.
"Creativity starts with curiosity. Sometimes all it takes is trying something new to discover a something you'll love."