Business leaders across Cumbria have called for clarity on Brexit following today's shock election result, with one saying firms in the county were now "in limbo".

Chris Ward, the chairman of the county's branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) said there now needed to be a real focus on Britain leaving the EU.

He said: “Despite the political turbulence of the last two years, businesses have shown remarkable resilience, but they have now been thrown into political limbo. The Brexit negotiations will be on us inside a fortnight, and significant domestic challenges remain. On top of this, the lack of a government with a majority indisputably creates further uncertainty."

“If the Conservatives govern as a minority, they must recognise that they have not earned a mandate to implement their manifesto in full. Now is the time to move on from the rhetoric of the election campaign and focus on preparing for Brexit talks," he added.

"The issues of access to EU markets and the need for skilled workers are still paramount, and Brussels will be keen to get negotiations underway soon."

“But ministers also cannot take their eye off the ball on important long-term issues such as renewing the UK's infrastructure, making sure our education system keeps up with developing technologies and business models, and our tax system is competitive and reflective of today's economy. To do this, it will be vital that politicians listen to the voice of business, in a way that was not always the case in this election.”

Mr Ward was also concerned that a minority Government could result in "point scoring" by MPs.

"The last thing business leaders need is a Parliament in paralysis," he said.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce have called for the Conservatives and Labour to take a common line on Brexit.

Rob Johnston, the organisation's chief executive, said: “It is absolutely vital for Britain’s future prosperity that these negotiations are a success.

“The answer is for the two main parties to agree a common position on Brexit, even if they can’t agree on anything else.

“Only then will Europe take us seriously.”

Mr Johnston had other concerns too.

“Businesses don’t like uncertainty," he said.

"They are less likely to invest and that is bad for jobs and growth. It may mean the next move in interest rates will be down rather than up."

He was pleased though that a second independence referendum in Scotland now seems unlikely after the SNP lost more than 20 seats to unionist parties.

"A potentially damaging second Scottish independence referendum is now very unlikely," he said.

Chris Pearson, director of Hospitality Audit Services, based in Flookburgh, also wanted clarity on Brexit.

He said: "With a hung parliament, it is hoped that the elected ministers can form a government which will consider the views of others in the Brexit negotiations in the months and years to follow. A softer Brexit can benefit both businesses who rely on foreign labour, which we see in Cumbria’s hospitality and tourism industry and those, like myself, who trade in Europe and with European businesses. There is now opportunity for a stronger, fairer Brexit deal."

Jennie Riding, owner of Artlegarth Country Lodges in Kirkby Stephen, added: "Whilst many industries will be negatively impacted by the lingering uncertainty I believe the hospitality industry will continue to enjoy strong trading conditions, bolstered by the weakened pound attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors whilst making ’staycations’ ever more attractive to UK nationals.

"Controversial issues affecting the hospitality industry, such as the huge reliance on the employment of EU migrants and zero hour contracts, which accounts for 19 per cent of employment contracts, will no doubt be hotly debated as Labour and Conservatives hold strongly opposing views on these topics. With the government having only a slim majority it will be difficult to get any contested policies agreed and implemented without considerable compromises from both parties."