<p>David Pretty has taken up a new role, as non-executive chairman of the New Homes Marketing Board, following Mick Noble’s decision to step down. Drawing on his 14 years’experience on Barratt’s board, four as chief executive until his retirement in early 2007, Pretty plans to reinvigorate the NHMB, with initial plans to boost its lobbying on behalf of first time buyers in response to their declining numbers. ”We want to champion the cause of first time buyers,”he said. “Quite apart from the social impact of declining first time buyer numbers, a healthy and active first time buyer market underpins the wellbeing of the entire housing market.”</p> <p>Pretty said the NHMB will also focus on “leading continuing improvement in customer satisfaction and construction quality,”with a new role overseeing the annual customer satisfaction survey undertaken by the Home Builders Federation and NHBC. ”We also want to promote the industry to the general public, to inform them of the massively positive impact made by housebuilders, with a view to winning over hearts and minds in our bid to convince them how crucial it is that adequate new homes are built to meet demand,”Pretty added. “We need to put over the real facts and …