A Kent-based business has signed up to an organisation that unites lawyers and financial planners.

Towergate Financial, which has its headquarters in Maidstone, has joined Solicitors Independent Financial Advice (SIFA), a body that promotes a joint approach to legal and financial services.

The move comes ahead of the implementation in October of the Legal Services Act which will encourage greater co-operation between different professions.

SIFA was established in 1992 and is a trade association recognised by the Financial Services Authority.

Towergate Financial is now included in SIFA'S well-regarded directory of fee-based independent financial advisers which is endorsed by The Law Society for use by solicitors.

The Maidstone business has expertise in family, private client and corporate matters, including pensions, investment and individual and business protection.

SIFA provides training, marketing, compliance and other services which assist solicitors and financial advisers to work together for the benefit of clients.

Rebecca Harris, financial adviser at Towergate Financial, said: "Towergate is one of a new breed of financial advisers, which shares the culture and standards of the established professions and makes us an ideal partner for solicitors.

"In many areas legal advice is incomplete without financial input, and for solicitors who are sufficiently switched on to the changing world of professional services, we can fill that gap."