I'd disagree with that, England does have several 'hub cities' - see Manchester (largest non-London airport, probably second biggest financial services area out

I'd disagree with that, England does have several 'hub cities' - see Manchester (largest non-London airport, probably second biggest financial services area outside of London) and Birmingham as just two examples. Moving your startup to Newcastle means: a) Lower costs in terms of rent and staff (you have to pay people more in London). b) Fewer competitors trying to poach your staff. Of course you don't get the same international connections as you do in London, but it's not a case of London holding all the trump cards.