Given the lack of political self-government, the private sector took it upon itself to establish bodies to regulate and protect trading activity. The Private Board of Trade was founded in Barcelona in 1758, uniting the Register of Retailers and the Consulate Tribunal. Based in the former building of La Llotja in Barcelona, its area of influence extended to the whole country and it was responsible for invigorating various sectors of the economy. One aspect of its work was the founding of training schools in seamanship, shorthand, drawing, chemistry, mechanics, physics and economics.