Latest news with #HBD
Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
SEVENTEEN's HAPPY BURSTDAY sells 2.27M copies on release day, setting record post FML, HEAVEN, SPILL THE FEELS success
SEVENTEEN (SVT) is back at it again—breaking records like it's just another Tuesday. The 13-member K-pop powerhouse celebrated their 10th debut anniversary in true SEVENTEEN style: by casually obliterating sales charts with their latest mini album, HAPPY BURSTDAY (HBD). Because what says 'Happy Anniversary' better than making history? On May 26, SVT's official debut date, they dropped HAPPY BURSTDAY, and boom—2,269,401 copies flew off shelves (well, digital shelves too) in a single day. According to Hanteo Chart, this makes it the highest first-day sales for any K-pop act in 2025. Talk about blowing out candles with a hurricane. Record-Smashing Royalty SEVENTEEN isn't just a group—they're a well-oiled record-breaking machine. They don't even try to smash records anymore; they just show up, vibe with CARATs (their ever-dedicated fandom), perform with joy, pride and history is made. Again. HAPPY BURSTDAY now ranks as the 4th highest first-day sales in K-pop history, trailing only behind their albums: FML – 3,998,373 copies SEVENTEEN: HEAVEN – 3,288,017 copies SPILL THE FEELS – 2,494,180 copies SEVENTEEN now holds five spots in the top ten all-time first-day sales rankings. And guess what? Fans and industry watchers alike are now expecting HAPPY BURSTDAY to cross the coveted three-million mark within its first week. Global Domination, One Track at a Time SEVENTEEN's global reach? Stronger than ever. HAPPY BURSTDAY climbed to No. 2 on the Worldwide iTunes Albums Chart, hit No. 1 on iTunes in 15 countries, and landed on Europe's iTunes Top Albums Chart like it owned the place. Meanwhile, lead single Thunder lit up the iTunes Top Songs chart in 13 different regions. And they didn't stop there. Thunder also cracked the Melon TOP 100, a feat that practically screams Legendary. Solo Tracks? More Like Solo Slays Here's the kicker: the album doesn't just ride on one or two bangers. HAPPY BURSTDAY is a fan buffet, featuring 13 solo tracks from every single member and 3 group tracks. Jungle – S. Coups Coincidence – Jeonghan Fortunate Change – Joshua Gemini – Jun 99.99% – Wonwoo Damage – Hoshi Destiny – Woozi Skyfall – THE8 Shake It Off – Mingyu (Taylor Swift, is that you?) Happy Virus – DK (warning: it's contagious) Shining Star – Vernon Raindrops – Seungkwan Trigger – Dino SEVENTEEN'S HAPPY BURSTDAY Reaction SEVENTEEN's HAPPY BURSTDAY is more than an album. It's a celebration of growth, fandom, chaos, and charisma (with just a sprinkle of goofiness). Whether you're a long-time CARAT or a casual listener who got sucked in by THUNDER, this release is impossible to ignore. So pop the confetti, stream the album, and maybe learn the Thunder dance if you dare—because SEVENTEEN just gave their CARATs all a birthday gift wrapped in chart-smashing greatness.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plan for phase two of cyber park near GCHQ revealed
The second stage of a cyber security centre planned near GCHQ has been unveiled. The Golden Valley development aims to confirm Cheltenham as the UK's cyber capital. Property developer HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council unveiled the project's second phase, including the launch of the newly named "I/O Buildings", at a CyberUK conference event held earlier this month. Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said the CyberUK event offered the "perfect opportunity" to showcase phase two of the project. The first phase of construction is the cyber park itself, which includes 1 million sq ft (93,000 sq metres) of commercial space, a car park and bus stops for services to Cheltenham Spa railway station. Work could begin by October if Cheltenham Borough Council approves two key applications, which include feedback from public consultations, this summer. The two I/O Buildings (INPUT and OUTPUT) are a key element within the second phase of Golden Valley and will provide space for leaders and innovators to work together, the Local Democracy Service reports. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire INPUT is intended to foster collaboration between education, business and government, focusing on academia, skills and talent. OUTPUT will seek to bring together industry peers to shape the future of technology. The building will create space for quiet focus and provide state-of-the-art facilities for business. Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: "Work is due to begin on site later this year so it's great to be able to share new CGIs of the scheme, including the I/O Buildings within phase two, and bring the development to life." Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden included Golden Valley within his keynote address at the CyberUK conference. "We're already making some big investments, like the billion pounds going into the new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQ's Cheltenham office. "That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses and 3,700 new homes. It's all growth." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. How will a £1bn cyber park affect locals? Cyber development to receive £20m from government Cheltenham Borough Council CyberUK HBD
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Next phase of Cheltenham's Golden Valley cyber project unveiled
The second stage of a cyber security centre planned near GCHQ has been Golden Valley development aims to confirm Cheltenham as the UK's cyber developer HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council unveiled the project's second phase, including the launch of the newly named "I/O Buildings", at a CyberUK conference event held earlier this month. Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said the CyberUK event offered the "perfect opportunity" to showcase phase two of the project. The first phase of construction is the cyber park itself, which includes 1 million sq ft (93,000 sq metres) of commercial space, a car park and bus stops for services to Cheltenham Spa railway could begin by October if Cheltenham Borough Council approves two key applications, which include feedback from public consultations, this two I/O Buildings (INPUT and OUTPUT) are a key element within the second phase of Golden Valley and will provide space for leaders and innovators to work together, the Local Democracy Service reports. INPUT is intended to foster collaboration between education, business and government, focusing on academia, skills and will seek to bring together industry peers to shape the future of building will create space for quiet focus and provide state-of-the-art facilities for business. Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: "Work is due to begin on site later this year so it's great to be able to share new CGIs of the scheme, including the I/O Buildings within phase two, and bring the development to life."Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden included Golden Valley within his keynote address at the CyberUK conference."We're already making some big investments, like the billion pounds going into the new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQ's Cheltenham office."That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses and 3,700 new homes. It's all growth."
The Independent
01-03-2025
- The Independent
The lesser-known tropical island that's perfect for a winter getaway
The aroma of freshly baked bread holds a universal allure, transcending geographical boundaries. Seeking shelter from an equatorial downpour, I found myself in a quaint bakery in a Principe fishing village, captivated by the sight of flames dancing within a large clay oven. As luck would have it, my arrival coincides with the serving of the day's first batch. Tearing into the steaming dough, I partake in a timeless pleasure enjoyed for centuries. Breaking bread is one of the simple joys that make this remote island in the Gulf of Guinea so special. Together with Sao Tome, it forms one of West Africa 's smallest nations. More tranquil and relaxed than the mainland, it resembles a Caribbean escape, boasting equally stunning sandy, unspoiled beaches. Yet, unlike popular winter sun destinations, Principe remains largely undiscovered. There are no major chains, no advertising billboards, and only a few basic shops in the sleepy main town of Santo António. Built during Portuguese colonisation, when the islands served as a base for trading slaves, the ruins of sugar cane and cocoa plantations have since been reclaimed by the jungle. Residents have admirably chosen to reject palm oil cultivation projects in favour of ecotourism, guided by the pioneering sustainable tourism enterprise HBD, which manages three properties on Principe and recently acquired the only other hotel in operation. The backstory for HBD (Here Be Dragons) is an unusual one. Making history by being the first African to enter space in 2002, entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth had an epiphany while staring down at our tiny blue planet. By the time he'd landed back on Earth, he was determined to do whatever he could to protect it. Initially, he looked at Principe as a private island investment but soon realised the population – the true custodians of the wild environment – would benefit from tourism. His intention was to create jobs by opening the destination up to the rest of the world, without disrupting the natural beauty at its core. Set on a remote peninsula at the northern tip of the island, Bom Bom, a former fishing lodge, was the first hotel to open. A smart but unassuming collection of bungalows with two beachfronts – for sunset and sunrise – it's since achieved accidental cult status. Closed for three years since the pandemic, it's recently reopened and I'm one of the first guests. Mapped: Principe By 6am, it's already light as I walk along my empty beachfront. Boys in wooden pirogue boats are silhouetted on the distant horizon. Western reef herons forage along the shoreline, while brightly plumed malachite kingfishers add flashes of colour to the tangle of emerald forest which covers most of the island. But even their shimmering turquoise wings aren't a match for the rich jade hues of an ocean so clear, I can see 15 metres to the bottom. Although there have been several enhancements to Bom Bom, including a recently opened restaurant and a beach bar in the pipeline, growth is still refreshingly slow. Even getting here is a journey, requiring a flight via Lisbon and Sao Tome. But distance and difficulty are in part responsible for preserving this time-frozen patch of paradise. Here are five reasons why it's worth making the effort: 1. Pristine rainforests – In 2012, thanks partly to the efforts of HBD and rallying from members of the local community, the entire island and its islets were declared a UNESCO World Biosphere. More than half of the mountainous volcanic island is a protected natural park, home to a high number of endemic species living in a rainforest estimated to be 31 million years old. 2. Rich marine life – Waters fringing the island are also teeming with marine creatures. Humpback whales can be seen between July and October, while five species of turtles – loggerhead, olive ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback – nest on beaches from November to March. 3. Delicious chocolate – During the years of Portuguese rule, a cocoa industry thrived on the island. HBD has revived production on a small scale at heritage property Roca Sundy, a former plantation open to guests. A small shop sells edible and cosmetic products. 4. Heavenly hiking – Beyond the beach, the mountainous interior is well suited to hikes. One of the most popular routes is to the top of Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak), one of several phonolitic towers. 5. A model for tourism – HBD is in the process of launching a new Natural Dividend project which will financially reward islanders for their efforts in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Mark Shuttleworth hopes the model can one day be replicated across Africa. How to do it
The Independent
21-02-2025
- The Independent
The tiny tropical nation that's becoming perfect for a winter getaway
The aroma of freshly baked bread holds a universal allure, transcending geographical boundaries. Seeking shelter from an equatorial downpour, I found myself in a quaint bakery in a Principe fishing village, captivated by the sight of flames dancing within a large clay oven. As luck would have it, my arrival coincides with the serving of the day's first batch. Tearing into the steaming dough, I partake in a timeless pleasure enjoyed for centuries. Breaking bread is one of the simple joys that make this remote island in the Gulf of Guinea so special. Together with Sao Tome, it forms one of West Africa 's smallest nations. More tranquil and relaxed than the mainland, it resembles a Caribbean escape, boasting equally stunning sandy, unspoiled beaches. Yet, unlike popular winter sun destinations, Principe remains largely undiscovered. There are no major chains, no advertising billboards, and only a few basic shops in the sleepy main town of Santo António. Built during Portuguese colonisation, when the islands served as a base for trading slaves, the ruins of sugar cane and cocoa plantations have since been reclaimed by the jungle. Residents have admirably chosen to reject palm oil cultivation projects in favour of ecotourism, guided by the pioneering sustainable tourism enterprise HBD, which manages three properties on Principe and recently acquired the only other hotel in operation. The backstory for HBD (Here Be Dragons) is an unusual one. Making history by being the first African to enter space in 2002, entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth had an epiphany while staring down at our tiny blue planet. By the time he'd landed back on earth, he was determined to do whatever he could to protect it. Initially, he looked at Principe as a private island investment but soon realised the population – the true custodians of the wild environment – would benefit from tourism. His intention was to create jobs by opening the destination up to the rest of the world, without disrupting the natural beauty at its core. Set on a remote peninsula at the northern tip of the island, Bom Bom, a former fishing lodge, was the first hotel to open. A smart but unassuming collection of bungalows with two beachfronts – for sunset and sunrise – it's since achieved accidental cult status. Closed for three years since the pandemic, it's recently reopened and I'm one of the first guests. Mapped: Principe By 6am, it's already light as I walk along my empty beachfront. Boys in wooden pirogue boats are silhouetted on the distant horizon. Western reef herons forage along the shoreline, while brightly plumed malachite kingfishers add flashes of colour to the tangle of emerald forest which covers most of the island. But even their shimmering turquoise wings aren't a match for the rich jade hues of an ocean so clear, I can see 15 metres to the bottom. Although there have been several enhancements to Bom Bom, including a recently opened restaurant and a beach bar in the pipeline, growth is still refreshingly slow. Even getting here is a journey, requiring a flight via Lisbon and Sao Tome. But distance and difficulty are in part responsible for preserving this time-frozen patch of paradise. Here are five reasons why it's worth making the effort: 1. Pristine rainforests – In 2012, thanks partly to the efforts of HBD and rallying from members of the local community, the entire island and its islets were declared a UNESCO World Biosphere. More than half of the mountainous volcanic island is a protected natural park, home to a high number of endemic species living in a rainforest estimated to be 31 million years old. 2. Rich marine life – Waters fringing the island are also teeming with marine creatures. Humpback whales can be seen between July and October, while five species of turtles – loggerhead, olive ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback – nest on beaches from November to March. 3. Delicious chocolate – During the years of Portuguese rule, a cocoa industry thrived on the island. HBD have revived production on a small scale at heritage property Roca Sundy, a former plantation open to guests. A small shop sells edible and cosmetic products. 4. Heavenly hiking – Beyond the beach, the mountainous interior is well suited to hikes. One of the most popular routes is to the top of Pico do Papagaio (Parrot Peak), one of several phonolitic towers. 5. A role model for Africa – HBD is in the process of launching a new Natural Dividend project which will financially reward islanders for their efforts in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Mark Shuttleworth hopes the model can one day be replicated across Africa. How to do it
