A BUSINESSMAN who has conducted a high profile campaign to get out of Europe for 20 years said he might celebrate "with a pint of beer".

Rollo Reid hosted Boris Johnson at his firm, ReidSteel in Christchurch, only last month.

And he was glued to the TV at the Riversmeet count in Christchurch as his cherished dream of pulling out unfolded in the early hours.

"Yes, you could say I am very pleased," he said. "I always thought it was going to happen. I felt the arguments for leaving were absolutely conclusive.

"The single market is a complete disaster for us. We have a huge deficit inside it."

On the immediate volatility in the financial markets, he said: "The financiers are playing games with the markets, really they are betting people. The decision to leave is the best thing for all of us. All the things we are told the EU does for us, we can easily do for ourselves."

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said: “It’s clear there will now be legitimate concerns about the local and national economy in post-EU Britain. We also now face political uncertainty with the resignation of the PM.

“The priority must be the economy and market stability. Businesses will want to see a measured approach from the government with clear guidance about the timeline for exit from the European Union."

Mark Constantine OBE, Lush co-founder and managing director, said the company had "grave concerns" over Britain's future.

"We have 4,057 employees in Britain and almost 20 per cent of those (782) do not have British citizenship," he said. "Our younger British staff members are questioning staying in a country with such a narrow view and are weighing what this means to them in terms of career opportunities in European community countries. Those without British passports are concerned about how much longer they can stay in Britain. Most importantly they feel unwanted and several have gone home being too upset to work.

"Most are appalled at the prospects for human and animal rights, environmental protection and conservation."

In a statement published nationally, Barclays Group chief executive officer Jes Staley said: "This is a significant decision and there will be many questions asked in the coming days and weeks about what happens next. The answers are complex but our position is not: we will not break our stride in delivering the Barclays of the future.

"No matter what has been laid before us, we have been here to help [customers] achieve their ambitions. That does not change today. And through the uncertainty of the months ahead, be in no doubt that we are ready to do whatever it takes to uphold that promise."

A spokesperson for Siemens, which is based in Poole, said: "Siemens has always made it clear that this was a decision for the British people and their view must be respected.

"As a global business with significant, long-term investments in the UK and high local value creation, Siemens is not so much exposed to negative effects that we might see. Nevertheless, the government must now move swiftly to unify and agree the nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU and other trading partners, creating clear roadmaps to encourage future investment.

"Siemens remains committed to our business in the UK. We have been active in the UK for more than 170 years, with locations throughout the country. Today, we generate revenue of around €4 billion and employ about 14,000 people. With 13 manufacturing sites, Siemens has a strong local footprint in the UK."