General Election: Dismay as uncertainty is now set to escalate

In only 10 days' time, negotiators from both sides of the Channel will sit around a table for the firs time and begin the process of disentangling the UK from the European Union.

To call the process complex is an understatement. Fact checking charity Full Fact says there is no definitive answer to the issue of how much of UK law is also EU law, but says estimates range from 13 per cent to 65 per cent.

There is also a direct conflict looming over Britain's demands. If we will not allow freedom of movement of people from the European Union, can we be part of the single market?

If we can't, then what will be the cost to our economy in the increase in costs for manufacturers whose products – car parts, for example – are often bounced between factories in different countries as part of the production process?

Theresa May called the election in order to gain stable footing for her approach to Brexit, and a Conservative victory means that negotiations can now begin.

They will be led by David Davis, the secretary of state for leaving the EU – or Brexit Secretary, as his role has become known – supported by his department's top civil servant Oliver Robbins, Sir Tim Barrow, the UK's ambassador to the EU, and the director general of Davis's department, Sarah Healy.

The certainty has been welcomed by businesses in Shropshire.

“With the uncertainty we have had since the Brexit vote last year, what this country needed was a Government with a clear mandate from the people, to push for the best deal for the UK with both Europe and other trading nations. We now have this," said Christopher Greenough, a director at Shrewsbury-based Salop Design and president of industry body Made In The Midlands.

"The rest of the world is looking to this country to see how we take the next steps in leaving the EU, and I see that Theresa May has been a strong and capable leader, who has handled a difficult situation with both tact and the strength to give us the best chance to push the economy forward.

"We have a manufacturing sector that is thriving and indeed striving to further growth, and through the new industrial strategy, we can continue this growth and make our position for trade deals even stronger.

"We are indeed the movers and makers, and will support the new Government."

Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “As the Prime Minister returns to Downing Street, she faces two formidable tasks.

“The need to deliver a smooth, comprehensive Brexit deal is in no doubt. Yet the Prime Minister and her team must pay as much, if not more, attention to creating a firm foundation for the UK’s future prosperity and competitiveness.

"The best possible Brexit deal will be of little value if contradictory economic policies, widespread intervention, arbitrary immigration restrictions, and the spectre of yet more up-front costs stifle business investment and confidence.

“Starting today, the anti-business tone that characterised the election campaign must be consigned to history, with a more mature and practical dialogue taking its place.

“The principled, civic-minded business communities I represent across the United Kingdom want neither a ‘bargain basement’ economy nor an over-regulated, high-cost one. We are ready to work with the new government from the outset to ensure that every town, city and county in the UK is a great place to do business – through Brexit and beyond.”

The negotiations are scheduled to last two years – although this can be extended with the approval of all 28 EU member states.

And it would be no surprise if the process of untying the thousands of knots which bind the UK to the European Union takes considerably longer – the more pessimistic projections are suggesting that it could take up to 10 years.

Now we have a government which will be in place for the next five years, providing a platform to negotiate an exit which satisfies the various needs of a fractured nation.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce's chief executive Richard Sheehan added: "We message now is very clear – business has to be a priority.

"Businesses need access to support and finance, a skilled workforce, we need clarification around Brexit and European and UK nationals quickly and efficiently, and we need business people involved in the Brexit negotiations so business has a voice around the table and its acumen in the negotiations."