Hello, David.
You can set AVG Secure VPN to start and turn on VPN connection upon your PC startup. Open AVG Secure VPN, click on 'Settings' (clog wheel) icon at the top of main user interface. Then click on 'General' in the left pane menu and make sure the below options are ticked.
1. Start AVG Secure VPN when my computer starts.
2. Automatically turn on VPN when the app starts.
Regarding the ads for other AVG products, you can tune the AVG Internet Security settings to stop receiving the ads. Open AVG Internet Security, click on Menu -> Settings -> General -> PopUps. Uncheck "Show offer pop ups for other AVG products".
At the moment, London is the only location available in UK region. You can also connect to a nearest location even it is from a different country. If you have any valuable feedback to share regarding this, please open AVG Internet Security, click on Menu -> About -> Submit feedback.
I think anyone who uses it would know about that setting. My problem (and possibly Davids) is AVG turns itself off. I have checked the start up when I start my computer button. I will get an idea to watch a movie that is not open to the Philippines and it tells me it is not available in my Country. I check VPN and it's off. It happens more than I like. Where is the fix for that?