Tonight, at precisely 11pm, Britain will finally depart the EU - more than three-and-a-half years after the country voted to leave.
While the journey towards this moment has been protracted and arduous, many businesses believe that the hard work starts now.
The point at which the 海角视频 leaves the union fires the starting gun on post-Brexit talks - and negotiations on an all-important trade deal with the EU.
A “transition period” will begin, with the Government able to negotiate a future trade deal with the EU while still remaining in the safety net of EU rules and regulations.
The 11-month period is designed to prevent the 海角视频 from suddenly leaving the EU and being forced to trade on basic global terms under the World Trade Organisation rules.
A company that will be following the negotiations closely is Toyota, which has its 海角视频 car manufacturing plant at Burnaston, in Derbyshire.
Ever since the nation voted to leave way back in June, 2016, the firm, along with fellow manufacturers with British factories, have called for a deal that would result in frictionless trade with the EU.
90 per cent of the cars made at Burnaston are exported to the EU and Toyota would like to see a deal that would not result in hefty tariffs on its exports.
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Meanwhile, many components used to make its cars are imported from the EU, and it is keen that its just-in-time production methods are not disrupted by lengthy delays at the ports.
Toyota has a proud history in Derbyshire - having established its first European factory in the county around 30 years ago.
Since then, the car-maker has invested more than £2.75 billion in its 海角视频 operations - and continues to make an important contribution to the region.
At the start of the year, Jim Crosbie stepped up from the role of deputy managing director of Toyota Manufacturing 海角视频, to managing director of the firm, which also has an engine-making plant in Deeside, North Wales.
He said: “In my new role as managing director, and together with the support of such a skilled and dedicated workforce, we are focused on building a sustainable future for the company.
“We want to prosper and provide jobs and make cars in the 海角视频 for the longer term and to do that it is essential we remain competitive.
“Our recent investment of £240 million to upgrade our Burnaston plant to help make the new Corolla on Toyota’s new vehicle platform (TNGA) is part of commitment to do everything we can.
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“The competitiveness of our operations, as well as the 海角视频 automotive sector more widely, will also be influenced by the result of the EU and 海角视频 trade negotiations to come - and the operating environment that develops at that time.
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“In the short term, our day job hasn’t changed overnight as a result of the 海角视频’s withdrawal from the EU, as nothing really changes for us operationally during the transition period this year.
“We remain focused on making quality cars, safely, flexibly to customer demand - this is the same as before.
“We do ask that 海角视频 and EU political leaders are able to make use of the transition period to agree a future trading relationship that secures tariff free trade, smooth customs procedures and common technical standards.
“These will be vital elements in maintaining the competitiveness of the automotive sector for the longer term.”
But while some businesses are anxious about are future trading relationship with Europe, others are excited about the new-found freedoms Brexit will offer.
One of those is David Nieper, which makes luxury women’s fashions at its Alfreton factory, in Derbyshire.
It is relishing the post-Brexit trade opportunities and has set its sights on the US market.
It also said that its sales had increased by more than 20% since Britain voted to leave the EU.
Managing director Christopher Nieper OBE said: “Thank goodness the democratic wishes of the British people have been respected and delivered and we can now move forward and seize the new opportunities.
“The EU has failed to secure a US deal for 40 years. If the 海角视频 can come to a favourable trade deal with America, our company can at last start selling in earnest to the US market and I would not rule out opening an office there.
“Brexit opens the door for a new deal for the millions of people who have been left behind in forgotten communities like ours.
“Now is the time for businesses across the country to unleash the talent of local people and support economic growth beyond the M25.”
The years of Brexit uncertainty have had an impact on the decision-making of some businesses.
Many have been waiting to see whether we will leave or not before deciding to invest in new technology or relocate to larger premises.
It is something that has been felt in the commercial property market.
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However, Jon Marriott, from agents FHP Property Consultants, which has offices in Derby, Nottingham and Birmingham, is hopeful that better times lie ahead.
He said: “It is always difficult to crystal ball-gaze into the future, but I feel that there is more positivity in the marketplace leading to more transactions, more lending and ultimately more valuations.
“This could be a defining year for the 海角视频 economic prospects, as the Conservatives have now achieved a majority in the House of Commons and seek to conclude the Brexit divorce proceedings.
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“However, there are many more issues post January 31, that need to be ironed out, which could have an impact on our prospects going forward.
“However, this year we will be a little bit less uncertain about the uncertainty that has dogged the 海角视频 property market for the past three years.
“We are confident that the banks will continue to support local businesses in their lending strategies, and therefore expect to see a more straightforward lending market going forward.”