BCH Vehicle Management and Autoglass have become the first companies to kick-start Fleet Web - the new Internet-based paperless trading initiative - with the trial transmission of an electronic invoice. The companies demonstrated their commitment to the use of information technology in their businesses by successfully exchanging an invoice over the net.

BCH managing director Richard Pepper said: 'Using the Internet for electronic data interchange (EDI) could bring significant cost savings and we are pleased with today's trial. BCH is committed to development in IT and improving communications with our customers and our suppliers.'

Backed by a consortium of major leasing companies, dealers and fleet service providers, Fleet Web promises to be cheaper and more efficient than existing EDI technology according to its developer, Smart Choice.

To ensure security, the electronic messages are encrypted at both ends of the transaction and, importantly, the system has a built-in VAT auditing mechanism which has won temporary approval from HM Customs & Excise, which closely monitored the trial.