Accountancy professional body ICAEW has partnered with technology firm RQ to launch an online platform enabling Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners to refer clients.

The ICAEW said the platform would help strengthen client relationships for both accountants and Planners.

The platform will also enable accountants to refer clients to mortgage brokers and other financial professionals.

John Gaskell, head of personal Financial Planning at the ICAEW, said: "We are pleased to have worked with RQ to design this technology platform which will enable ICAEW members to collaborate with other professionals on advisory services.

"ICAEW Chartered Accountants have a long and successful track record helping SME businesses remain competitive, and this software will help strengthen client relationships and drive more value."

RQ will provide ICAEW member firms with free access to its referral platform in exchange for input and support from the professional body.

Dave Robinson, director of Centurion Chartered Financial Planners, said: “My firm, Centurion Chartered Financial Planners, usually receives around 60 new client enquiries each month, around 85% of which are usually introduced by lawyers or accountants. Inter-professional collaboration is central to our firm's growth strategy."

The launch of the platform is part of a wider drive by the ICAEW to help accountants take advantage of technology solutions that can drive business growth.

RQ is a technology firm which aims to power collaborative relationships between professional services firms. It says it provides diagnostic tools to help professionals better understand clients, a compliant and secure means of referring clients and a secure method of sharing data.