Commenting on the EU-UK deal being passed, Stephen Phipson, CEO at Make UK said:
"Make UK welcomes the decision taken in Parliament today. A no deal outcome would have done catastrophic damage to manufacturing in Britain.
"Today’s vote finally ends more than four years of uncertainty and dispute, during which investment has ground to a halt. We now have clarity from which we can build.
"However, businesses must now manage their way through one of the biggest changes to trade ever seen, which takes effect in just 48 hours. There will be new customs paperwork, arrangements at the border and significant additional red tape.
"Government should move quickly to finalise data adequacy arrangements and work with both UK business and our EU partners to address a wide range of issues such as rules of origin, recognition of professional qualifications and chemical registration systems where the new arrangements are likely to be most challenging.
"Finally, if we are to maximise future success and opportunities, it is critical that the Government sets out a clear, powerful, ambitious and funded industrial strategy so that business can develop the confidence needed to restart investment, create jobs and boost economic growth."