An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course introduces the concept of risk in self-employment and small business contexts and explores how insurance can act as a tool for managing uncertainty and protecting income, assets and professional activity.
Drawing on real-world examples across sectors, the course helps demystify common types of business insurance and supports learners in thinking critically about their own exposure to risk. It is not a technical or advisory course, but an opportunity to understand the value and purpose of insurance in accessible, practical terms.
Important note: This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.
What will we cover?
The realities of working for yourself: hidden risks and responsibilities
Understanding risk: financial, operational, legal and reputational exposure
Behavioural perspectives on risk (e.g. optimism bias, risk perception)
What insurance does: protection, risk transfer and peace of mind
Overview of common insurance types relevant to freelancers and small businesses, including:
- Public liability - Professional indemnity - Equipment and asset cover - Income protection and health-related cover - Cyber and digital risk
Sector-specific case studies and real-life scenarios
How to think about your own risk profile and decision-making
When and how to seek professional advice
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Recognise different types of risks associated with self-employment and small business activity
Understand the purpose and value of insurance as a risk management tool
Identify common types of insurance relevant to different business models and sectors
Reflect on your own exposure to risk and potential vulnerabilities
Ask informed questions when considering insurance options or speaking to professionals
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and does not assume any previous study or specialist knowledge.
It will be particularly relevant to freelancers, sole traders, small business owners and those considering self-employment.
A good standard of English is recommended. As with many City Lit courses, an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, reflect on different perspectives and share experiences will enrich the learning experience.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an interactive, discussion-based course with no formal assessments or assignments.
Teaching will include:
Tutor-led explanations
Real-world examples and case studies
Group discussions and shared reflection
Scenario-based exercises
Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work context, but no preparation or homework is required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click here to view our courses
Additional Disclaimer
This course is designed for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.
The tutor is not a licensed insurance or financial advisor and no recommendations will be made regarding specific insurance products or providers.
Participants are encouraged to seek independent professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any decisions.
Vina Theodorakopoulou teaches at the intersection of technology, business and society, helping learners connect big ideas on economics, innovation and human behaviour to real-world decisions and practical outcomes. With a background in financial and professional services and a PhD in behavioural economics, she brings practical insight into how decisions are made under uncertainty and how systems -from markets to organisations- affect everyday life and work. At City Lit, her courses span topics such as AI and ethics, global capitalism, innovation, sustainability and communication. Across all subjects, she focuses on connecting ideas to practice, encouraging learners to apply what they learn in meaningful and tangible ways. She has a strong interest in global cultures and communication, reflected in her teaching of languages and cultural forms, including Greek dance. She believes learning should open up new ways of thinking about work, culture and how we live — and offer practical value beyond the classroom.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/understanding-insurance-and-risk3072427Understanding Insurance and Riskhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Business & marketing/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Business & marketing/Business skills/Courses/New courses/Courses/Online courses2285121112291635174317311228512111229<p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p>003072412Understanding Insurance and Risk179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersNov 2026Business, marketing & technologyCEN30179179Understanding Insurance and Risk143116179Vina Theodorakopoulouunderstanding-insurance-and-risk/cen30-2627<p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the concept of risk in self-employment and small business contexts and explores how insurance can act as a tool for managing uncertainty and protecting income, assets and professional activity.</p><p>Drawing on real-world examples across sectors, the course helps demystify common types of business insurance and supports learners in thinking critically about their own exposure to risk. It is not a technical or advisory course, but an opportunity to understand the value and purpose of insurance in accessible, practical terms.</p><p><strong>Important note:</strong> This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p><ul><li>The realities of working for yourself: hidden risks and responsibilities</li><li>Understanding risk: financial, operational, legal and reputational exposure</li><li>Behavioural perspectives on risk (e.g. optimism bias, risk perception)</li><li>What insurance does: protection, risk transfer and peace of mind</li><li>Overview of common insurance types relevant to freelancers and small businesses, including: </li></ul><p> - Public liability<br> - Professional indemnity<br> - Equipment and asset cover<br> - Income protection and health-related cover<br> - Cyber and digital risk</p><ul><li>Sector-specific case studies and real-life scenarios</li><li>How to think about your own risk profile and decision-making</li><li>When and how to seek professional advice</li></ul><ul><li>Recognise different types of risks associated with self-employment and small business activity</li><li>Understand the purpose and value of insurance as a risk management tool</li><li>Identify common types of insurance relevant to different business models and sectors</li><li>Reflect on your own exposure to risk and potential vulnerabilities</li><li>Ask informed questions when considering insurance options or speaking to professionals<br> </li></ul><p>Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and does not assume any previous study or specialist knowledge.</p><p>It will be particularly relevant to freelancers, sole traders, small business owners and those considering self-employment.</p><p>A good standard of English is recommended. As with many City Lit courses, an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, reflect on different perspectives and share experiences will enrich the learning experience.</p><p>This is an interactive, discussion-based course with no formal assessments or assignments.</p><p>Teaching will include:</p><ul><li>Tutor-led explanations</li><li>Real-world examples and case studies</li><li>Group discussions and shared reflection</li><li>Scenario-based exercises</li></ul><p>Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work context, but no preparation or homework is required.</p><p>No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses</p><p><u><strong>Additional Disclaimer</strong></u></p><p>This course is designed for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>The tutor is not a licensed insurance or financial advisor and no recommendations will be made regarding specific insurance products or providers.</p><p>Participants are encouraged to seek independent professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any decisions.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsvirtual3072415Understanding Insurance and Risk179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-project-management-cptpm03-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeFriHybrid (choose either online or in-person)Available coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2027-01-29T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2027Business, marketing & technologyCEN31179179Understanding Insurance and Risk143116179Vina Theodorakopoulouunderstanding-insurance-and-risk/cen31-2627<p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-29 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the concept of risk in self-employment and small business contexts and explores how insurance can act as a tool for managing uncertainty and protecting income, assets and professional activity.</p><p>Drawing on real-world examples across sectors, the course helps demystify common types of business insurance and supports learners in thinking critically about their own exposure to risk. It is not a technical or advisory course, but an opportunity to understand the value and purpose of insurance in accessible, practical terms.</p><p><strong>Important note:</strong> This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p><ul><li>The realities of working for yourself: hidden risks and responsibilities</li><li>Understanding risk: financial, operational, legal and reputational exposure</li><li>Behavioural perspectives on risk (e.g. optimism bias, risk perception)</li><li>What insurance does: protection, risk transfer and peace of mind</li><li>Overview of common insurance types relevant to freelancers and small businesses, including: </li></ul><p> - Public liability<br> - Professional indemnity<br> - Equipment and asset cover<br> - Income protection and health-related cover<br> - Cyber and digital risk</p><ul><li>Sector-specific case studies and real-life scenarios</li><li>How to think about your own risk profile and decision-making</li><li>When and how to seek professional advice</li></ul><ul><li>Recognise different types of risks associated with self-employment and small business activity</li><li>Understand the purpose and value of insurance as a risk management tool</li><li>Identify common types of insurance relevant to different business models and sectors</li><li>Reflect on your own exposure to risk and potential vulnerabilities</li><li>Ask informed questions when considering insurance options or speaking to professionals<br> </li></ul><p>Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and does not assume any previous study or specialist knowledge.</p><p>It will be particularly relevant to freelancers, sole traders, small business owners and those considering self-employment.</p><p>A good standard of English is recommended. As with many City Lit courses, an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, reflect on different perspectives and share experiences will enrich the learning experience.</p><p>This is an interactive, discussion-based course with no formal assessments or assignments.</p><p>Teaching will include:</p><ul><li>Tutor-led explanations</li><li>Real-world examples and case studies</li><li>Group discussions and shared reflection</li><li>Scenario-based exercises</li></ul><p>Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work context, but no preparation or homework is required.</p><p>No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses</p><p><u><strong>Additional Disclaimer</strong></u></p><p>This course is designed for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>The tutor is not a licensed insurance or financial advisor and no recommendations will be made regarding specific insurance products or providers.</p><p>Participants are encouraged to seek independent professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any decisions.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsvirtual143179116CEN30,CEN31NONEMon,Fri02/11/26 - 09/11/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeks,One-off onlyWeekdayOnlineOnline,Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)Vina TheodorakopoulouBeginnersAvailable courses2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-29T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeNov 2026,Jan 2027Business, marketing & technology179179Understanding Insurance and Riskunderstanding-insurance-and-risk/cen30-2627,understanding-insurance-and-risk/cen31-2627<p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>This course introduces the concept of risk in self-employment and small business contexts and explores how insurance can act as a tool for managing uncertainty and protecting income, assets and professional activity.</p><p>Drawing on real-world examples across sectors, the course helps demystify common types of business insurance and supports learners in thinking critically about their own exposure to risk. It is not a technical or advisory course, but an opportunity to understand the value and purpose of insurance in accessible, practical terms.</p><p><strong>Important note:</strong> This course is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>An accessible introduction to understanding business risks and the role of insurance for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses helping you make informed decisions about protecting your work and livelihood.</p><ul><li>The realities of working for yourself: hidden risks and responsibilities</li><li>Understanding risk: financial, operational, legal and reputational exposure</li><li>Behavioural perspectives on risk (e.g. optimism bias, risk perception)</li><li>What insurance does: protection, risk transfer and peace of mind</li><li>Overview of common insurance types relevant to freelancers and small businesses, including: </li></ul><p> - Public liability<br> - Professional indemnity<br> - Equipment and asset cover<br> - Income protection and health-related cover<br> - Cyber and digital risk</p><ul><li>Sector-specific case studies and real-life scenarios</li><li>How to think about your own risk profile and decision-making</li><li>When and how to seek professional advice</li></ul><ul><li>Recognise different types of risks associated with self-employment and small business activity</li><li>Understand the purpose and value of insurance as a risk management tool</li><li>Identify common types of insurance relevant to different business models and sectors</li><li>Reflect on your own exposure to risk and potential vulnerabilities</li><li>Ask informed questions when considering insurance options or speaking to professionals<br> </li></ul><p>Everyone is welcome. This is an introductory level course and does not assume any previous study or specialist knowledge.</p><p>It will be particularly relevant to freelancers, sole traders, small business owners and those considering self-employment.</p><p>A good standard of English is recommended. As with many City Lit courses, an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion, reflect on different perspectives and share experiences will enrich the learning experience.</p><p>This is an interactive, discussion-based course with no formal assessments or assignments.</p><p>Teaching will include:</p><ul><li>Tutor-led explanations</li><li>Real-world examples and case studies</li><li>Group discussions and shared reflection</li><li>Scenario-based exercises</li></ul><p>Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work context, but no preparation or homework is required.</p><p>No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/wysiwyg/pdf/C2627_Business_Management_Courses.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> to view our courses</p><p><u><strong>Additional Disclaimer</strong></u></p><p>This course is designed for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice.</p><p>The tutor is not a licensed insurance or financial advisor and no recommendations will be made regarding specific insurance products or providers.</p><p>Participants are encouraged to seek independent professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making any decisions.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Business & marketingBusiness skillsconfigurable
