BREXIT: '˜Devolution deal is still main focus'

“The strength and potential of this region is in no way diminished by the result. The North of England has led and fostered many changes in its history and centuries have confirmed that when it focuses on getting things done, pragmatically and tenaciously, it is successful. We are here to ensure that promises made in Westminster are kept, that the region hits its strategic targets and that in the coming years we are not distracted from our task.

“We will be vigilant and ready to take advantage of such opportunities that will benefit the Sheffield City Region. Our job is unchanged, and we will continue to do that for every resident and business here today and in the future.”

Ian Addison, Owner of Zead, a Doncaster internet company said: “The outcome is what I wanted. The companies we deal with in Europe and spoke to before the referendum said it wouldn’t affect business. I think a lot of other countries will now opt out. Overall it now depends on what the government do and how they handle it.”

Paul Houghton, head of Grant Thornton Sheffield added: “No member state has left the EU before and there is no agreed process for building a UK outside the EU. Business needs to lead this debate and help shape a vision of what a vibrant UK outside the EU will look like.

“We hope the government will prioritise the concerns of business and focus on areas which enable a more dynamic, vibrant UK economy to emerge. This includes prioritising the negotiation of trade deals within, and outside of, the EU to support business growth. Businesses also want the government to review UK employment legislation and reach agreement on rules governing competition, state-aid and anti-trust regulation as soon as possible.”