A view of Westminster and Big Ben from the Thames in London

It feels as though the nation, continent, even the world are in a state of shock. We're all characters in a story that is yet to be written … what now?

Regardless of the result you were hoping for, what’s done is done. We need to focus on what makes Britain great and step into our new world with confidence. We should build on our reputation for world-class science, advanced engineering and mind-blowing creativity – basing our positioning on the wealth of expertise our nation has to offer the rest of the world.

To make this happen, we need strong business leaders – leaders that can adapt to change, drive forward with clear strategy and inspire their people to be great. Like it or lump it, it’s our future and it’s now firmly in our own hands.