The Institute of Financial Planning has welcomed support from key financial services trade bodies for its annual Financial Planning Week initiative.
The backing has come from an inaugural meeting between the IFP and 11 other organisations including the Association of British Insurers, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, Apfa, and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
The aim of the meeting, hosted by the Personal Finance Society, was to make the various bodies more effective.
The savings gap and regulation were among the key topics of discussion.
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IFP chief executive Steve Gazzard CFP^CM said: "It was particularly good to see such a high level of support across the board for the IFP's Financial Planning Week consumer awareness campaign.
"Engaging positively with consumers in this way is essential if we are to tackle the savings and advice gap.
"Gaining greater support from fellow professional bodies and trade organisations for Financial Planning Week will really help us to strengthen its reach and have a greater impact on the lives of consumers as a result."
The meeting was also attended by the Council of Mortgage Lenders, IFA Centre, the Investment Management Association, the Society of Mortgage Professionals, Institute of Financial Services University College and the Association of Investment Companies.
Mr Gazzard said: "These are still early days, but we're pleased to be exploring ways of improving communication between the different professional and trade bodies.
"It should help us to better serve the needs of consumers as well as to provide better coordinated feedback to the regulator.
"Where appropriate, by providing greater support to each other's campaigns we hope we can not only boost consumers' confidence in taking professional advice but also improve their overall financial capability by encouraging them to take much needed action to improve their financial fitness."