A VAT recovery system that could lead to reimbursements in just two weeks from receipt of their invoice, has been launched by WEX Europe Services, owner of the Esso Card.

The new system, set up with VAT reclamation specialist ATS, covers fuel card purchases across Europe and aims to help customers manage their VAT reclaim, meaning they can focus more on running their business, improve cash flow and reduce pressure on their finances.

ATS can submit and manage claims on WEX Europe Services customers' behalf, removing the hassle of sorting and processing invoices. Customers that wish to check on the status of their claim can do so by logging in to ATS' web portal.

Esso Card customers will only be charged a fee on successful claims; where claims are unsuccessful, there is no fee.

Commercial and marketing director Peter Dore said: 'We believe that procurement departments play a pivotal role in any fleet business by helping them to manage expenses, like VAT.

'We recognise there are easier ways to streamline the process of VAT reclaim, and our partnership with ATS can help our customers achieve that. We are delighted to be supporting this initiative'

WEX Europe Services has approximately 90,000 fleet customers, who hold 1.4 million fuel cards and collectively buy more than two billion litres of fuel annually.

In the UK, Esso Card holders have access to 40% of the country's forecourts ' more than 3,300 sites nationwide. Many Esso, BP and Shell service stations, accept the Esso Card as payment.