Chancellor Philip Hammond has told business leaders that the Article 50 process to withdraw from the EU could be pushed back, following the government’s crushing defeat in Parliament.

The government’s EU deal was rejected by a margin of 230 votes. It now faces a confidence vote.

The music industry has been warning about the threat of Brexit, particularly a no-deal departure from the EU without a transition arrangement. The UK was supposed to be leaving the European Union on March 29, so a delay would likely be required to avoid a no-deal scenario.

AIM CEO Paul Pacifico revealed today that the trade body would be holding meetings with government officials and will work on issuing guidance to labels.

Further to the #Brexit vote yesterday evening, @AIM_UK has confirmed meetings with our government counterparts to discuss the next steps. We will be issuing further guidance including on preparations for a potential no deal scenario in the coming days and weeks.

— Paul Pacifico (@allstarspaul) January 16, 2019

Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), said they remain concerned about the loss of freedom of movement.

“Unfortunately, the defeat of the Government’s Brexit deal does not mean things will continue as normal,” she said. “Unless the Government acts, Britain is now less than ten weeks from crashing out of the EU without a deal, ending current mobility rules overnight and causing huge economic and social disruption.

“If Brexit is to go ahead as planned, we urge the Government to put forward an alternative deal that protects freedom of movement rights for musicians after Brexit. If freedom of movement is to end, the Government must ensure that free movement rights are maintained for musicians, or introduce a two-year multi-entry visa for British musicians working in the EU27.’

According to the CBI, after the vote Hammond spoke to business leaders to offer reassurances that a no-deal Brexit could be avoided. During a conference call, Hammond reportedly outlined how the March 29 date could be pushed back.

John Allan, president of the CBI, said that there were plans in Parliament to secure a delayed Brexit. However, there remains uncertainty in the wake of the government’s defeat in Parliament.

Andrea Leadsom, leader of the House Of Commons, told the BBC: “We are clear we won’t be delaying Article 50.”

For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter