The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) has appointed two new advisory board members as it steps up efforts to tackle the UK’s persistent late payment crisis and prepares for potential new regulatory powers.

Abigail Whittaker, Chief of Staff at Funding Circle, and Ryan Shorthouse, Founder and Executive Chair of think tank Bright Blue, will formally join the board in April following a public appointments process. Both bring extensive experience across finance, communications and public policy at a time when the role of the Small Business Commissioner is expected to expand.

The appointments come as the Government considers strengthening the powers of the Commissioner, Emma Jones (pictured), as part of a broader package of reforms outlined in its Small Business Plan. The move reflects mounting concern over the scale of late payments across the UK economy, which are estimated to cost businesses £11 billion annually and contribute to the closure of around 38 firms every day.

Whittaker joins with a strong background in financial services and corporate communications, having held senior roles at Funding Circle, Vanquis Banking Group, Metro Bank and TSB. Her experience is expected to support the OSBC’s increasing focus on digital tools and data-driven approaches to improving payment practices, as well as strengthening engagement with SMEs and lenders.

Shorthouse, meanwhile, brings deep expertise in public policy and economic reform. As founder of Bright Blue and a commissioner at the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, he has played a prominent role in shaping UK policy debates. His experience across think tanks and advisory bodies is expected to be particularly valuable as the Commissioner navigates potential legislative changes and seeks to influence payment behaviour across large corporates.

The OSBC was established under the Enterprise Act 2016 to address late payments and unfair payment practices in the private sector. Its remit includes supporting small businesses in resolving payment disputes, promoting the Fair Payment Code, and encouraging larger firms to improve supplier payment terms.

Emma Jones said the new appointments would strengthen the organisation’s ability to deliver on its core mission. She described the additions as bringing “deep experience of running businesses, national media and communications expertise, and digital know-how” at a critical juncture for the office.

Both appointees emphasised the economic importance of addressing late payments. Whittaker highlighted the central role small businesses play in the UK economy and the pressures they face, noting that improving payment practices can directly support growth and resilience. Shorthouse, drawing on his own experience of running a business, described late payments as “stressful and crippling” and argued that improving cash flow across the economy is an “underappreciated” driver of productivity and investment.

The advisory board will provide strategic input on the OSBC’s operations, including its dispute resolution services, governance, and initiatives such as the Fair Payment Code. Members are expected to attend quarterly meetings and contribute to broader policy and operational discussions, with appointments set for a three-year term.

The timing of the appointments signals a renewed focus on enforcement and systemic change in payment culture. While the OSBC has historically relied on guidance and voluntary codes, the Government’s recent consultation on enhanced powers suggests a shift towards a more interventionist approach.

For SMEs, which often operate on tight margins and limited cash reserves, faster and more reliable payment cycles remain a critical issue. As policymakers look to unlock growth across the UK economy, improving how quickly money moves between businesses is increasingly being viewed as a foundational reform.

With new expertise on its advisory board and the prospect of expanded powers on the horizon, the Small Business Commissioner is positioning itself at the centre of that agenda.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Advertisement

SEATTLE — Amazon is reshaping its Prime Video streaming experience with a significant tiered overhaul set to take effect April 10, 2026, in the United States. The company announced it will rebrand its existing ad-free add-on as “Prime Video Ultra,” raise the monthly fee from $2.99 to $4.99, and restrict 4K Ultra HD (UHD) streaming exclusively to this premium tier. Standard Prime members, who previously enjoyed 4K access as part of their base subscription, will now be limited to 1080p HD resolution unless they upgrade.

The changes come amid ongoing efforts by streaming services to monetize premium features while offsetting rising content and infrastructure costs. Amazon’s move aligns Prime Video more closely with competitors like Netflix and Disney+, which have long gated higher resolutions and ad-free viewing behind elevated plans.

**Core Details of the Shift**
Prime Video Ultra will replace the current Ad Free subscription and bundle several enhancements alongside ad-free viewing and exclusive 4K/UHD access. Subscribers gain up to five concurrent streams (up from three on the old ad-free plan), up to 100 offline downloads (previously 25), Dolby Vision HDR support, and Dolby Atmos audio. The annual option for Ultra will cost $45.99, offering a 23% discount over monthly billing.

For context, Amazon Prime membership—required for the full Prime Video benefit—remains unchanged at $14.99 per month or $139 per year in the U.S. Adding Ultra pushes the effective annual cost for the top-tier experience to approximately $184.99. Standalone Prime Video subscriptions without full Prime perks are also available but follow similar tiering.

Base Prime Video, included with Prime or as a $8.99/month standalone (with ads), will see some improvements: concurrent streams increase to four (from three), downloads rise to 50 (from 25), and Dolby Vision becomes available. However, resolution caps at HD/1080p, and ads persist on most content except select live events or add-on channels.

Amazon emphasized in its March 13 announcement that “delivering ad-free streaming with premium features requires significant investment,” positioning the structure as consumer-friendly flexibility. “Prime members will continue to enjoy the core Prime Video benefit, including HD/HDR and now Dolby Vision, at no additional cost with their Prime membership,” the company stated.

**Background on Prime Video’s Evolution**
Prime Video has undergone multiple pricing adjustments in recent years. Ads were introduced to the base service in January 2024, prompting the $2.99 ad-free add-on. That tier aimed to preserve an uninterrupted experience for those willing to pay extra. The new Ultra rebrand and features bundle reflects Amazon’s push to compete in a crowded market where 4K has become a standard expectation for high-end home setups.

Industry analysts note that while the $2 monthly increase may seem modest for existing ad-free users, the 4K restriction represents a bigger sting for households with 4K TVs who relied on the included perk. More than 180 million Americans hold Prime memberships, many of whom stream on large screens where resolution differences are noticeable—especially for originals like “The Boys,” “Fallout,” or “Reacher.”

**Consumer and Industry Reactions**
Early coverage from outlets including Variety, Mashable, The Verge, and PCMag described the change as a “paywall” for 4K, with some calling it an “insult” layered on prior ad insertions. Tech sites highlighted that basic users now face a downgrade in quality unless they pay more, potentially frustrating longtime subscribers.

Amazon has not detailed international rollout plans, though similar changes often expand globally after U.S. testing. In markets like India, 4K remains included in base plans for now, with ad-free as a lower-cost add-on.

The timing coincides with broader streaming industry trends. Services continue raising prices or introducing tiers to boost revenue amid content spending wars and subscriber churn pressures. Netflix’s ad-supported plan and premium tiers, Disney+’s bundle options, and Paramount+’s ad tiers have set precedents for segmenting features like resolution and ad levels.

**What It Means for Viewers**
For casual viewers content with HD and tolerant of ads, the core Prime benefit stays intact and even improves slightly. Sports fans or those watching live events may still encounter ads even on Ultra, as Amazon noted select content could include them.

Households prioritizing cinematic quality—particularly those investing in OLED or high-refresh-rate 4K displays—face a clear decision: absorb the extra $4.99 monthly or accept 1080p. The added perks (more streams, downloads, advanced audio/video) may justify the cost for families or multi-device users.

Amazon has begun notifying affected subscribers via email and app alerts, explaining the transition and upgrade options. No immediate changes apply before April 10; current ad-free subscribers will see the price adjustment and feature bump automatically unless they opt out.

As streaming wars intensify, Amazon’s latest adjustment underscores a key reality: premium experiences increasingly come at premium prices. Whether the Ultra tier drives upgrades or prompts cancellations remains to be seen, but for now, 4K on Prime Video is no longer a default—it’s a deliberate choice worth $5 more per month.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Wordle puzzle for Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — game No. 1733 — challenged players with a moderately difficult adverb that tests vocabulary depth and strategic guessing. Released at midnight local time, today’s five-letter word drew an average of 4.6 guesses from NYT testers, marking it as tougher than recent entries but far from the game’s most brutal outings.

Wordle, the daily brain-teaser acquired by The New York Times in 2022, continues to captivate millions worldwide. Players get six attempts to identify a secret five-letter word, with color-coded feedback: green for correct letter and position, yellow for correct letter in the wrong spot, and gray for absent letters. The puzzle resets daily, encouraging streaks and community sharing of grids via emoji squares.

For March 18’s edition, the answer is **AMPLY**, an adverb meaning “fully,” “sufficiently,” “liberally” or “in abundance.” It derives from “ample,” signifying more than enough quantity or degree. The word features one vowel (A) upfront, no repeats, and uncommon consonants like P, L and Y — factors that contributed to its moderate challenge level.

### Spoiler-Free Hints to Guide Your Solve
If you’re still working on today’s puzzle or want tips for similar future ones without immediate spoilers, here are progressive clues compiled from player reports and official NYT data:

1. The word is an adverb describing sufficiency or generosity in amount.
2. It starts with a vowel and ends with a consonant (specifically Y).
3. No letters repeat; all five are unique.
4. The fourth letter is L, a helpful mid-word anchor once discovered.
5. Common synonyms include “plentifully,” “abundantly” or “generously.”
6. It often appears in phrases like “amply supplied” or “amply rewarded.”

These hints narrow options without revealing too much. Starting words like SLATE, CRANE or PLATE (popular among pros) frequently eliminate multiple vowels and consonants early. Today’s puzzle rewarded vowel-heavy openers, as the A appeared in position one.

### Full Breakdown and Solution (Spoilers Ahead)
Today’s Wordle answer: **AMPLY**.

– Position 1: A (green early if guessed correctly).
– Positions 2-3: M and P (often yellow initially from words like “maple” or “ample”).
– Position 4: L (a frequent pivot point).
– Position 5: Y (the tricky finisher, as many overlook adverbial Y-endings).

The NYT WordleBot rated it moderately challenging, with average solvers needing about 4-5 guesses. Hard mode players (who must reuse revealed letters) often took longer due to the word’s rarity in everyday speech compared to nouns or verbs.

Community feedback on platforms like Reddit’s r/wordle described mixed experiences: some nailed it in three guesses after early PLATE or MAPLE attempts, while others burned through attempts on near-misses like “AMPLE” (missing the adverb form) or “APPLY.” No major trap words dominated discussions, though “AMPLY” evaded casual players expecting more common vocabulary.

### Why This Puzzle Stood Out
“AMPLY” represents a classic Wordle archetype: an uncommon but valid English word that rewards broad lexicon knowledge. Unlike recent puzzles heavy on concrete nouns, this adverb demanded thinking beyond basics. It follows yesterday’s answer (CLASP, March 17), continuing a pattern of varied difficulty in mid-March 2026.

The NYT has kept Wordle ad-free and accessible via nytimes.com/games/wordle or the NYT Games app. No major rule changes have occurred since launch, though features like WordleBot analysis and archive access remain popular for post-solve review.

### Tips to Boost Your Wordle Game Long-Term
– Prioritize starters with high-frequency letters (A, E, R, S, T, L).
– Track eliminated letters meticulously.
– Use second guesses to test new vowels and common consonants.
– Avoid rare words early; save them for later slots.
– Practice with variants like Quordle or Worldle for pattern recognition.

For March 18 solvers who preserved their streak, congratulations — “AMPLY” tested patience without frustration. Tomorrow’s puzzle awaits at midnight. Share your grid (🟩🟨⬛ format) in comments or on social media to compare paths.

As Wordle enters its fifth year of global play, puzzles like #1733 remind fans why the simple format endures: a daily dose of logic, language and just-right challenge.

Luxury car maker says it ‘remains strongly committed to Crewe’

Workers at luxury car maker Bentley have been left ‘stunned’ after the company confirmed its intention to cut hundreds of jobs. Union officials said the cuts have ‘come out of the blue’, citing contributing factors such as ‘Trump’s tariffs’ and the continued impact of the covid lockdowns.

Despite recording an operating profit of £186m in 2025, and a seventh consecutive year of profitability, the company said it planned to cut 275 roles, around 6% of its workforce, by cutting up to 150 staff and not filling vacant positions.

The GMB said Bentley had experienced a 40% year-on-year drop in profits, with GMB organiser Karen Lewis adding: “These cuts have come out of the blue and the workforce is stunned.

“Trump’s tariffs’ have hit Bentley hard and the company is still feeling the affects of the covid lockdown.

“GMB will stand side by side with members in Bentley to ensure the minimum redundancies and the maximum pay outs.”

Bentley said it remains committed to UK manufacturing,, reports the Liverpool Echo. It confirmed that work continues on the transformation of its Pyms Lane factory, including the ongoing conversion of the site’s oldest building, which will become the future electric vehicle assembly line.

A spokesperson for Bentley said: “Bentley has delivered a seventh consecutive year of profitability while continuing to invest significantly in the transformation of our Pyms Lane site for the next generation of Bentley vehicles, including our first fully electric model.

“As part of ensuring the business remains competitive and prepared for the future, we have begun a consultation programme covering management, agency and non-manufacturing roles, which could result in up to 275 positions being removed from the organisational structure, which equates to approximately six per cent of the organisation.

“These are difficult decisions and our priority is to support any colleagues who may be affected throughout the consultation process.

“Bentley remains strongly committed to Crewe and continues to invest in the long-term future of luxury car manufacturing at our Pyms Lane site.”